The Catholic Church’s cardinals on Wednesday took part in the pre-Conclave ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica before the start of the election of the new pope later in the day.
The Mass was presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, and featured both the 133 cardinal electors who are taking part in the Conclave and those who are not eligible because they are older than 80.
In the afternoon, the cardinals will set off from Santa Marta residence inside the Vatican, where most of them are staying during the conclave, in a procession to the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, and then enter the Sistine Chapel.
There will be a catechesis by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa and the swearing of the oath of office followed by the first vote on who should succeed Pope Francis.
The first smoke signal from the papal conclave will come from the Sistine Chapel “not before 7 p.m.” on Wednesday, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said on Tuesday.