Cardinals Prepare for Historic Conclave to Elect New Pope

Following the death of Pope Francis, Catholic cardinals are gathering in the Vatican for a conclave to elect a new pope, with around 133 eligible cardinals set to vote in this highly ritualized and confidential process. The outcome remains uncertain as divisions within the Church surface, with some cardinals and observers seeking a return to traditional leadership while others hope to continue Francis's progressive legacy. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's experienced secretary of state, has emerged as a leading candidate, appreciated for his diplomatic skills and crisis management despite criticisms tied to his tenure. The conclave is marked by deeply entrenched debates not only over doctrine but also over the future balance of power between Rome and the rapidly globalizing Church. The election process itself upholds centuries-old traditions, such as the symbolic smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel, which communicate the result to a watching world. Ultimately, the choice of the next pontiff will reflect both the Church's internal struggles and its global aspirations.