The Vatican is gearing up for the conclave next week, with preparations underway to install the ceremonial chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of El Salvador, 82, believes the conclave will be short, lasting only two or three days, and is looking for a “Francis 2.”
Chávez’s statement comes as over 133 cardinals arrive in Vatican City to participate in general congregations, where they discuss what qualities they want in the next pope. Most of the world’s cardinals have been sequestered from public view but some, like Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York, share their thoughts on social media.
The conclave will begin with an oath of secrecy taken by all participating cardinals before casting votes twice daily. A new pope will be confirmed when two-thirds of the cardinals agree, and the ballots are burned after each vote.
Many Vatican watchers are already speculating about potential candidates, known as papabili, with some scrutinizing their conservative or liberal leanings. However, only the 133 participating cardinals truly know what to expect during the conclave.
With the general congregations in full swing and the ceremonial chimney near completion, all eyes are on next week’s historic event as the world waits to see who will be chosen as the next pope.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/chimney-signal-new-pope-installed-sistine-chapel/story?id=121389889