Sistine Chapel closes, conclave to elect new pope begins
The Hindu
Catholic cardinals have filed into the Sistine Chapel for the start of the conclave to elect a new pope to follow Pope Francis
The conclave to elect a new pope has officially begun, with a Vatican official calling out “extra omnes” and the door to the Sistine Chapel shutting.
The Latin expression means “all out” and signals all those who aren’t eligible to vote for a new pope to leave the Sistine Chapel.
The order, delivered on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) by Archbishop Diego Ravelli allows the beginning of voting to elect the 267th pope to follow Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff.
With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 cardinals on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) began the secretive, centuries-old ritual, opening the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,000-year history.
Two by two, the cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel chanting the meditative “Litany of the Saints” as Swiss Guards stood at attention. The hymn, and the one that followed, implores the saints and the Holy Spirit to help the cardinals find a new leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state under Pope Francis and himself a leading contender to succeed as pope, assumed the leadership of the proceedings as the senior cardinal under age 80 and eligible to participate in the conclave.
Speaking in Latin, Cardinal Parolin stood before Michelangelo’s masterpiece “The Last Judgment”, and led the cardinals in a lengthy oath. Each one followed, placing his hand on the Gospel and promising to maintain utmost secrecy.
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military staff amid escalating tensions and ongoing missile attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% amid ongoing West Asia conflict, impacting petrol and diesel costs significantly.
Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants
Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.
Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.