Following the customary nine days of mourning, there were concerns about who would assume the prestigious position at the Vatican. Eight cardinals in particular were mentioned as possible successors.
Today’s news comes as the College of Cardinals, a group appointed by the late pope and consisting of the
Most senior members of the Catholic church, traveled to Rome to begin the daunting task of selecting the next pope.
The number of papal electors is normally limited to 120, whereas there are over 240 cardinals worldwide. Additionally, cardinals can only cast ballots if they are younger than 80.
There were 138 eligible voters this time, according to Al Jazeera.
The papal conclave convened beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, swore an oath of complete secrecy, and locked the doors to begin deliberations.
Throughout the process, they have been forbidden from communicating with the outside world and have only been allowed to sleep and eat at St. Martha’s home.
