We’re officially in the Sede Vacante: which means that the seat of Peter is empty, and the Church is holding its breath. Rome Correspondent Ashley Noronha tells us that preparations are in full swing for the conclave starting Wednesday, May 7. The Sistine Chapel is locked up tight since April 28th. And now… 🔥 the chimney is up! You know… that chimney: the one that’s about to tell the world whether we’ve got black smoke (no Pope) or white smoke (🎉Pope elected!).
What’s Been Going On?
-Chapel closed to the public
-Stoves installed for burning ballots 🗳️🔥
-Chimney mounted last Friday
-Rome’s firefighters doing trial runs to make sure that smoke goes up and not back in (Michelangelo would be grateful).
-A raised timber floor and 12 wooden tables have been added: a sacred space now ready for prayer, discernment, and decision-making.
No More “Is That Smoke…Gray?” Confusion
To clear up past “is it white or is it black?” drama (cloudy skies + soggy straw = chaos), they now use chemical packets for smoke clarity:
✅ Dramatically black or heavenly white.
Plus… the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica will toll when we have a new Pope. No one’s missing the moment this time. ⛪🔔
Who’s Voting?
-133 cardinal electors total.
-4 are absent: 2 delayed, 2 too ill to travel
-80% were appointed by Pope Francis
-Electors hail from everywhere: Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond
Even the non-voting Cardinals (over 80) are giving their input during the pre-conclave congregation meetings (held daily, 9 a.m. to noon). These meetings are opportunities when cardinals can share what they believe the Church needs now.
🙏 A Final Mass of Mourning and a Powerful Reminder
Sunday marked the final Mass of the novendiales: 9 days of mourning for Pope Francis. Cardinal Kevin Farrell (appointed by Francis) celebrated the Mass and reminded everyone:
➡️ The Papal mission = a mission of love ❤️
➡️ “Feed my sheep” is the heart of pastoral leadership.
➡️ Pope Francis, despite his suffering, served with “tireless love.”
Also worth noting: Cardinal Kevin Farrell is now the protodeacon, so he’s the one who will announce the new Pope with the iconic words: “Habemus Papam!”
What’s Next?
The conclave is fast approaching. The Sistine Chapel is set. The cardinals are praying, listening, and discerning. And as Ashley closed with…let’s keep praying too.
Come, Holy Spirit. Guide your Church. We’re listening. 🙏
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