‘Extra Omnes’, Conclave to Elect Pope Begins

Vatican City: With the “extra omnes” pronounced by the master of papal liturgical celebrations, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, the conclave to elect the 267th Pope began Wednesday. All those present now leave the Sistine Chapel, inside which remain only the cardinal electors, the master himself, and the ecclesiastic in charge of holding the last meditation before the voting, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa. Once everyone has left, the master closes the door to the Sistine Chapel.

According to Ansa News Agency, at the end of the meditation, the master and Cardinal Cantalamessa also leave the Sistine Chapel and the voting operations begin. The first smoke signal is expected at around 7 pm. It is expected to be black, meaning no pope has been elected. White smoke means there has been an election.