Context:

In St. Peter's Basilica, cardinals gathered for a Mass before the conclave to elect a new pope following Pope Francis' death. Dean Giovanni Battista Re prayed for wisdom and understanding for the 133 cardinals who will enter the Sistine Chapel to make their choice. These cardinals, representing 70 countries, will be isolated from the outside world, with communication restricted, to ensure a focused decision-making process. Pope Francis had appointed 108 of these cardinals, many from regions that had never had a cardinal before, such as Mongolia and Tonga. The conclave process raises questions about how long it might take for a candidate to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority to become the 267th pope.

Dive Deeper:

• Cardinals from around the globe gathered in St. Peter's Basilica for a final Mass before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away the previous month.

• The cardinals, totaling 133 and coming from 70 different countries, will be sequestered within the Vatican, surrendering their cellphones and having communications blocked to maintain focus during the election process.

• The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, offered prayers for wisdom and good counsel as the cardinals prepared to enter the Sistine Chapel to vote for the new pope.

• Pope Francis had previously appointed 108 of the voting cardinals, choosing many from countries that had not previously had a cardinal, reflecting his inclusive vision for the Church.

• Despite many cardinals meeting each other for the first time recently, there is an urgency and uncertainty about how long the conclave might last, as a two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope.

• Cardinal Mario Zenari, the Vatican's ambassador to Syria, emphasized the need for patience as the cardinals engage in their pre-vote discussions before the conclave.

• The process of electing the 267th Roman pontiff is crucial, as it will determine the future direction and leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.