A total of 133 cardinals have arrived at the Vatican ahead of the highly secretive conclave to elect the next Pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
The centuries-old tradition, in use since 1276, officially begins tomorrow.
Today, cardinals were seen entering the Vatican under a flurry of camera flashes and media questions, though none made comments.
This afternoon, the cardinals will settle into their accommodations — the Santa Marta guesthouse and the adjacent Santa Marta Vecchia — and hold their final pre-conclave meeting.
Discussions leading up to the election have focused on a wide range of issues, including Church unity, financial management, abuse scandals, and the qualities needed in the next pontiff.
With representatives from 70 countries across five continents, this is the largest and most diverse conclave in Church history.
From Wednesday afternoon, the Vatican will block all phone signals and strictly prohibit the use of communication devices to maintain complete confidentiality.
The cardinals, all under the age of 80 and eligible to vote, are bound by an oath of secrecy, breaking which results in automatic excommunication.
The cardinals will gather at 4:15 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel to pray for divine guidance before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel, where the voting will begin.
Once the command “extra omnes” is given, all non-voters must leave, and the conclave officially enters lockdown.
Despite Pope Francis having appointed around 80% of the current voting cardinals, analysts say the Church may not necessarily continue down the reformist path he championed.
Some expect a shift toward more traditional values.
