Vatican City gears up for conclave as cardinals set to elect next Pope

Choosing the Pope is not a meagre task, and Roman Catholic cardinals are preparing for the crucial job, which will see them completely secluded from the outside world until any candidate secures two-thirds of the available votes. The task, which historically has been extended for several days, will begin on Wednesday evening (local time) at the Sistine Chapel.

The announcement of the outcome of the votes also has historical significance. In case of an inconclusive result, the cardinals will burn their ballots and black smoke will emanate from a chimney on the roof of the chapel. White smoke and the ringing of bells will signify that the Catholic Church has picked its new leader to succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

There will be only one ballot on Wednesday, thus the cardinals can vote as many as four times a day. No Pope has been elected on the first day of the conclave for centuries, and since 1831, no event has lasted more than four days. In case cardinals fail to come to a consensus after three days, balloting will be suspended for 24 hours to allow them more time to reflect and settle on a choice.

As many as 133 cardinals from nearly 70 countries have arrived in Vatican City to pick the next Pope. This is a rise from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013.

There is no clear favourite, although Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also known as ‘Asian Francis’ have emerged as frontrunners.

The Vatican, to ensure secrecy during the conclave is maintained, has taken high-tech measures, including jamming devices to prevent eavesdropping.

A senior cardinal has urged his peers to vote by keeping their personal interests aside. In his sermon at the final Mass before the conclave, he reminded the cardinals that the new Pope must promote communion and unity within the church.