We heard the words „extra omnes” as everyone except the cardinal electors left the Sistine Chapel and the doors were locked. The conclave, one of the Catholic Church’s most mysterious and momentous rituals, has begun.
What does „extra omnes” mean?
The Latin formula „extra omnes” – „everyone outside” – is the official signal that the Sistine Chapel is becoming a place of absolute secrecy. From this moment, the cardinal electors are completely cut off from the outside world. A process begins that will end with the election of a new pope – the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The first day of the conclave
The day began with a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, after which the cardinals processed to the Sistine Chapel. There they took an oath of secrecy and fidelity to the rules of the election. After the words „extra omnes” were spoken, the doors were closed and the electors proceeded to the first ballot, the result of which will be announced by the smoke rising from the chimney – black means no choice has been made, white means a new pope.
Secrecy and tradition
The conclave is an event full of rituals. The cardinals live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae and may leave the Sistine Chapel only for meals and lodging. Everything takes place in strict secrecy, and communication with the outside world is forbidden. It is a tradition dating back to the 13th century, which gives the election of a pope an exceptional, almost cinematic character.
What next?
The first ballot will take place this evening. If it does not produce a result, the cardinals will vote up to four times a day until the required two-thirds majority is reached. The world will learn whether we have a new pope when white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
The conclave is not only the choice of a leader of the Church, but also a moment when the eyes of the whole world turn to the Vatican, awaiting a historic decision.
