About 45,000 people gathered in the Saint Peter Square waiting for the result of the first vote. The expectation lasted over three hours due to the high number of electors; The largest in history.
The conclave ceremony began with a quiet prayer. Then the Cardinals of the electors went to the Sistine Chapel in the procession. It is in it that the conclave traditionally takes place, which begins with a joint reading of the oath of the text by all electors.
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“We, all and individual cardinals electors, present during this election of the Pope, promise ourselves and swear faithfully and meticulously all the provisions contained in the Apostolic Constitution of Pope John Paul II Univers Dominici Gregi, announced on February 22, 1996.” – says the oath.
“At the same time, we promise, commit ourselves and swear that if any of us, from the divine decision, is elected a Roman bishop to make sure that the Munus Petrinum of the Shepherd of the Universal Church faithfully fulfill and does not cease in the effort to ensure and defend the persistent rights of spiritual and temporary, and the freedom of the Holy Capital,” says the text.
When the oath takes the last of the electors, the master of papal liturgical ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravella, issues “Extra Omnes” (all outside). Then everyone who does not take part in the conclave will have to leave the Syknyte Chapel.
The electors will listen to the considerations of the former papal preacher, the aged Cardinal Raniero Cantlamessa, who will remain in the chapel; Then he and the ceremony will leave her.
From that moment there will be no contact between the cardinals in a closed chapel and the outside world. The electors will join the only voting on Wednesday. You need a two -thirds majority to choose from a pope, i.e. 89 votes.
Read also: Conclave: How is the new pope chosen?
Electors come from 71 countries. Among them are four Poles, they are cardinals Stanisław Ryłko, Kazimierz Nycz, Konrad Krajewski and Grzegorz Ryś.
