Who will be the next pope? .Cardinals begin first day of voting

The cardinals’ day began with the high theatre of a Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Dressed in dazzling crimson, the 115 cardinal electors – and other cardinals over the age of 79 who were therefore ineligible to vote – were seated in a semi-circle around the altar as prayers of divine guidance were recited and chanted in Latin and Italian.

In the audience were hundreds of other priests from around the world, as well as a large number of nuns wearing the distinctive habits of their religious orders.


In what some may regard as an ominous sign of the stormy times facing the Roman Catholic Church today, it thundered loudly during the mass. Rained pelted down on pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square and the many television commentators stands that have been erected around and near the Vatican.

Crowds will maintain a constant vigil there during daylight hours until the next pope make his first appearance on a balcony of the papal residence overlooking the square. That will happen soon after white smoke rises from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel and the pealing of the bells of St. Peter’s announces his election.

After eating lunch together in the Vatican, the cardinals made a 90-minute procession from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Litany of Saints. Once inside the great hall, which includes several dozen bright frescoes depicting the story of the Bible, including Michelangelo’s dark masterpiece, The Final Judgment, a cardinal shouted “extra omnes,” ordering all outsiders to leave. The doors were locked and Swiss Guards posted outside.

Read more from source: canada.com