
On May 7, 133 cardinals from around the world will gather for a papal conclave in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel for a secret vote to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.
Behind a cloak of secrecy that would impress the CIA – even their meals are monitored – cardinals in the papal conclave will anoint one among themselves as the new pontiff who will guide the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church over the next decades.
The 267th pope will determine if the church will continue the reforms started by Francis, or choose a more conventional path.
Cardinals and church staff are sworn to secrecy in all matters relating to the papal conclave, including being sequestered in the Sistine Chapel during voting. No communication with the outside world is permitted. Cardinals are not allowed internet access and can’t have smartphones, computers, radios, televisions, or other devices.