Kigali archbishop, Cardinal Antoine Cambanda, will be taking part in the Paan Conclave, which will be held at the Vatican, where cardiacs from all over the world gather to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
This follows Pope Francis’ death on April 21st, the day after Easter Sunday. Currently, preparations are underway to select his successor.
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Appointed by Pope Francis on October 25, 2020, the Kambanda Cardinal is one of 138 Cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote. The election, traditionally held under the fresco at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, is expected to begin early to mid-May after a period of nine days of mourning and the arrival of cardiacs from around the world.
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Heavyly shaped by Pope Francis, Cardinal of College oversees Conclaves, with 110 of the 138 electors appointed during his 12-year Pope. This composition reflects Pope Francis’ efforts to bring together members from Asia, Africa and Latin America to create a more globally representative church.
A tradition that has been around for centuries, the Conclave is a strictly secret collection for the selection of a new Roman bishop who will become the 267th Pope. On the first day, following the Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Cardinal electors process it into the Sistine Chapel, where the doors close behind them, sealing them from the outside world.
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Cardinals were once physically trapped in the process, but today I am staying at Santa Marta House in Vatican City. Nevertheless, their time is strictly dedicated to prayer, debate and voting.
Each cardinal pledges an absolute secret oath. Violations can be punished by excommunication. In every voting round, the Cardinals carefully write down the names of the selected candidates, disguise the handwriting, cast the votes on ritual plates, then tilt them to ur. Three scrutiny officers then collect the votes.
Four rounds of votes are held every day. Twice at 2am and twice in the afternoon. If the candidate has not secured a majority of more than two-thirds, the vote will be burned with chemicals to produce black smoke, informing the faithful people gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the Pope has not yet been elected.
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If the vote remains stuck three days later, the Cardinals will pause for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming.
The length of conclaves has changed dramatically throughout history. The longest in 1281 lasted almost three years. However, in modern times, the conclusion is much shorter. Pope John Paul II was elected two days and eight times in 1978, Benedict XVI after four times in 2005, and Francis after five times in 2013.
When the Cardinal finally achieves the required majority, he is asked if he will accept the election. The simple “Accepto” (Latin for “I Accept”) becomes the official. The new Pope then selects his Pope’s name and changes to the pope’s clothing in a nearby room.
At this time, the white smoke without additives is born from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, and the bells of St. Peter’s Cathedral ring out, declaring “Havemus Papam” (“We have the Pope”).
Soon after that, the new Pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral and gives the world his first blessing.
Future Conclaves are likely to reflect Pope Francis’ legacy, with many electors defending his global vision and continued reform, while others may push for a more traditional and conservative direction.
Ultimately, Cardinals seeks leaders who can honor global respect and effectively communicate the Church’s message to a rapidly changing world.
