Journey to the Conclave: Rituals, Rivalries, and the Race to Lead the Catholic Church

THE ROSARY

Vatican City – The death of a pope is one of the most solemn and defining moments in Catholicism. But behind the incense, black vestments, and bells tolling across Rome lies a complex and tightly orchestrated process — one that combines ancient ritual, ecclesiastical politics, and global stakes.

As the Church prepares to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel, the eyes of 1.3 billion Catholics turn to a centuries-old process: the conclave.

From Mourning to Decision: The Path to the Sistine Chapel

When a pope dies (or resigns, as Benedict XVI did in 2013), the Church enters a period known as the Sede Vacante — the time of the “empty seat.”

The Camerlengo oversees the administration of the Church, and the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning, are observed with daily Masses.

Behind closed doors, the College of Cardinals meets in General Congregation sessions to manage the Church’s daily affairs and begin informal discussions about what kind of leader is needed next.

Though there is no public campaigning, these gatherings are often where ideological camps subtly form: reformers vs. traditionalists, curial insiders vs. pastoral shepherds, Europe vs. the global South.

Ideological Tensions: Two Paths for the Church

While all cardinals are sworn to keep conclave deliberations secret, past elections have revealed general tensions that often shape voting blocs.

1. Reformist Bloc (“Francis Continuity”)

These cardinals support Pope Francis’ vision: a more decentralized, globally inclusive, pastoral Church focused on social justice, climate action, and outreach to the marginalized.

Notable figures:

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, associated with the progressive Sant’Egidio Community and involved in peace mediation efforts.

  
  

• Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg): Lead coordinator of the Synod on Synodality, vocal on Church reform, and openness to modern issues.

  
  

• Cardinal Blase Cupich (USA): Strong supporter of Pope Francis’ agenda and a bridge between American Catholicism and Rome.

2. Conservative or Traditionalist Bloc

This group is critical of Pope Francis’ style of governance, his reforms on liturgy and decentralization, and his perceived ambiguity on doctrine. They favor stronger doctrinal clarity and a return to more traditional liturgical and theological norms.

Notable figures:

• Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA): Though over 80 and not an elector, he influences conservative thought within the Church.

  
  

• Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea): Former prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship, known for liturgical traditionalism and theological orthodoxy.

  
  

• Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary): A theologian and canon lawyer, seen as a safe, steady conservative choice.

Wild Cards and Global Voices

There’s also growing momentum for the next pope to come from outside Europe, particularly from Africa, Asia, or Latin America — regions where the Catholic Church is experiencing rapid growth.

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): A close Francis ally, charismatic, and globally respected; multilingual and emotionally resonant, though some feel he lacks administrative experience.

  
  

• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Strong on climate issues and social justice; seen as a unifying figure between traditionalism and reform.

  
  

• Cardinal Odilo Scherer (Brazil): Archbishop of São Paulo, representing the largest Catholic country in the world; moderate and pragmatic.

The Conclave Experience: Ritual Meets Realpolitik

In the conclave, each cardinal-elector votes in secret on a paper ballot inscribed with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff"). The balloting continues — often for days — until one name gathers a two-thirds majority.

Though outwardly spiritual, conclaves are intense political events. Alliances are forged and broken. Names surge and fade. A cardinal might gain early momentum only to lose support in later rounds. The phrase “he who enters the conclave as pope comes out a cardinal” remains true more often than not.

What's at Stake

Beyond the pageantry, the next pope will confront daunting challenges:

• Clergy sexual abuse scandals and credibility crises

• Declining vocations in the West

• A divided Church on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion, celibacy, women’s roles, and liturgical tradition

• Growing global influence from the Global South

• Interfaith dialogue, especially with Islam and Judaism

“This is not just a decision about theology,” says Vatican analyst Massimo Faggioli. “It’s about how the Church positions itself in a rapidly changing world.”

Awaiting White Smoke

As the doors of the Sistine Chapel close, the world waits for a thin ribbon of white smoke to rise — the ancient signal that a successor to Peter has been chosen. The next pope, whoever he is, will not only inherit the legacy of his predecessor but also the hopes and burdens of a universal Church in flux.

The journey to the conclave is more than a process — it’s a turning point in history.

MICHAEL OPPONG-AMPONSAH