Cardinals Enter Conclave to Elect New Pope as Global Catholics Watch Closely

Cardinals from more than 70 nations will enter the Sistine Chapel this afternoon to begin the solemn process of electing a new pope. This follows the death of Pope Francis last month.

This conclave, steeped in centuries-old tradition, will take place in the Sistine Chapel behind closed doors. The eligible cardinals, all under the age of 80, will vote in successive ballots until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority—at least 89 votes. At 4:30 p.m. local time, the 133 eligible cardinals, those under the age of 80, will process into the chapel in silence, their mobile phones confiscated and all communication with the outside world cut off. The conclave, held under strict secrecy, Until then, the world will watch the chapel’s chimney for smoke: black if no pope has been elected, white if a new pope has been chosen.

Catholics Watch with Hope—and Diversity

Across the world, millions of Catholics are closely watching the process, including in Cameroon, home to a large and diverse Catholic population.

Among them is Irene Ngwa, a very devout Catholic Christian from Bafut. She hopes the next pope could be African—possibly Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, a Vatican-based prelate long considered a strong candidate.

Birmingham-based Scrum Master Thierry Nkem, 47, originally from Cameroon, agrees that the conclave is a powerful moment for African Catholics, even if the pope isn’t African.

“It’s not just about seeing someone from your country in Rome,” he said. “It’s about knowing that our voice, our concerns, and our faith, are part of the Church’s future.”

He added, “If the Holy Spirit chooses someone like Cardinal Turkson or someone else from Africa, we would be proud. But what we need most is a pope who listens.”

‘Race and Nationality Should Not Matter’

Not all African Catholics agree on the need for a pope from Africa.

Sister Denise Mbarga, a 39-year-old Cameroonian nun working in Nigeria, said, “We are proud of our continent, but we must not think of the papacy like a football team—we are one Church, and it must rise above borders.”

“I pray the new pope is someone who brings healing to a Church wounded by scandals and division,” she said.

Father Solomon Shamee, a Nigerian priest now serving in Chester, talking to the BBC urged Catholics to look beyond national identity in choosing the next pontiff.

“I don’t think a Nigerian pope is realistic,” said the 41-year-old Holy Ghost Father and refugee charity coordinator. “I don’t feel we should be talking about the next pope on the grounds of race and nationality. We should just pray for a pope that would guide the Church as Jesus desires.”

Others, like Lorraine Taurasi of the Manchester Italian Association, also speaking to the BBC, agreed.

“There are several Italian cardinals but we don’t mind what nationality the pope is,” said Taurasi, 75. “As long as he is a good man like Pope Francis.”

Taurasi leads the city’s annual Catholic procession, which features a statue of the Virgin Mary and draws thousands each July. “Whoever [the new pope] is, he would be very welcome to join us on our next procession through Manchester.”

Global Representation, Global Opinions

With cardinals hailing from every inhabited continent, this conclave reflects the evolving face of Catholicism. Pope Francis appointed nearly 80 percent of the voting cardinals. Many of them are from the Global South, to decentralise power and expand the Church’s global reach.

“The south of the world is making its way and asking to be listened to,” said Vatican journalist Marco Politi. “It is not enough that the problems are outlined from the centre or Northern Hemisphere.”

Eva Ripoll Breau, 53, a Spanish Catholic living in Blackpool, emphasised the universality of the Church.

“Let’s face it—we are all the same children of God when it comes to sharing faith and love,” she said. “I am confident that once again, irrespective of his origin, the choice will be the right one to be our shepherd.”

Still, she acknowledged that a Spanish pope would make many in her native country proud.

Candidates and Challenges

The selection of the new pope comes at a time of internal Church tensions and declining vocations. While no frontrunner has officially emerged, a few names are being widely discussed. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican Secretary of State, is seen as a skilled diplomat who could appeal to both conservative and liberal cardinals.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), a seasoned Vatican official known for his advocacy on social justice and climate change.

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the cardinal of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Archbishop of Kinshasa. He is noted for his strong stance on corruption and human rights.

Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalainga (Central African Republic), the youngest voting cardinal and a prominent figure in interfaith peacebuilding.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, has drawn comparisons to Francis for his pastoral style. But some critics have targeted him over a past performance of John Lennon’s Imagine.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, brings Middle Eastern experience but may be seen as too young.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, a conservative from Hungary, appeals to traditionalists.

Despite public speculation, conclaves often defy predictions. A Roman saying cautions, “He who enters the conclave as pope leaves it as a cardinal.”

A Time for Reflection

As the cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel in solemn procession on Wednesday afternoon, the focus is on choosing a pope who can unify a fractured Church while facing global challenges.

A Vatican spokesman summed up the mood ahead of the vote.

“A figure who must be present, close, capable of being a bridge and a guide… a shepherd close to the real life of the people.”

Until the white smoke rises, all Catholics—and the world—can do is wait.

Mimi Mefo Info