Conclave Begins as Sistine Chapel Locking Marks Formal Start of Papal Election Process

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The solemn tradition of electing a new pope officially began Tuesday as the doors of the Sistine Chapel were ceremonially locked, marking the start of the secret conclave of cardinals tasked with choosing the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

With the Latin command “Extra omnes!” — meaning “Everyone out!” — all non-participants were dismissed, and 120 cardinal electors from around the world were sealed inside the chapel. This centuries-old ritual signifies the transition from public ceremony to the intense and private deliberations required to elect a new pope.

The conclave follows the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, whose historic step down has left the papacy vacant. The cardinal electors, all under the age of 80, will cast secret ballots up to four times daily until a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority to be named the new pontiff.

The Vatican has not indicated how long the conclave might last, but anticipation is high among the global Catholic faithful as the Church prepares for a new spiritual leader.