The Vatican appears to be preparing for a significant overhaul. It will be next in the world’s eye when it convenes a conclave to choose its next pope, following the eventual death of the leader of the 1.2 billion member Catholic Church. The conclave would begin in about 15-20 days from the time the pope dies. Cardinals from around the world will converge in Rome to commemorate this sad milestone. The College of Cardinals, the most senior church figures appointed by the pontiff, are chosen from bishops. They have a critical responsibility to institute.
Over the next few days, more than 250 of those cardinals from a pontificate’s worth of assigned nations over 90 different countries will be landing in Rome. Only about 135 of these cardinals have voting privileges in the conclave. Cardinals older than 80 years of age are not allowed to participate in this process. The term “conclave” derives from the Latin phrase “cum clave,” with key. This origin further illustrates the deep-seated, closed, and secretive nature of the electoral process.
Today marks the first calls for planning funeral and interment arrangements, military observances, etc. During this round of prayers and liturgy, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell will be guiding the prayer. He will lead the cardinals in meditation as they consider their task and are set to begin their discussions.
The cardinals, both US and non-US, are streaming into Rome. They’ll hold online sessions to determine logistical details such as when the pope’s body will be displayed and when the funeral will take place. It will be these critical decisions that will be made by the Congregation of Cardinals. They can be invaluable partners in making the church’s leadership transition as seamless and constructive as possible.
No doubt hundreds of foreign leaders and dignitaries will be descending on Rome and the Vatican. They sure as hell want to pay their respects on the way to the conclave. As French President Emmanuel Macron, the host of this momentous event, put it,
“We will attend the pope’s funeral as we should.” – Emmanuel Macron
The College of Cardinals, through their collective wisdom and discernment, will ultimately lead to the election of a new pope, marking a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church and its followers worldwide. Senior church officials get ready to engage in holy work. They bear the hopes and prayers of millions who look to them for guidance and leadership in this time of transition.
The conclave elects a new pope. Second, it serves as an important retreat for the cardinals to pray and bond. So long as they continue to do their deliberations in secret. This perspective focuses on the need to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the papacy at all costs.
As planning gets underway, the cardinals and the public should be aware of their crucial and unique responsibilities. We know that this sacred role is of great import. And the world’s eyes will be upon Rome, as church leaders fulfill their great and grave responsibility. They’ll elect a new leader to set the directions for the Catholic Church to pursue its mission and stand firm to protect its principles.