He 2025 conclaveconvened to designate the new leader of the Catholic churchnot only will it gather as many Electoral cardinals In history, but also exhibits a striking data series about participants and the development of the event. This time the Successor of Pope Franciswho died on April 21 to his 88 years.
A total of 135 Cardinals They were confirmed as voters for this conclave, a figure never reached in previous calls. This amount marks a Milestone for the papal succession processovercoming all the historical records of the Holy See.
Among the curious data, the older cardinal was born in the month of May. It is about Archbishop Emeritus of Madrid, Carlos Osoro Sierrawho saw the light in [1945 and will reach the conclave with 79 years.
At the other end of the age strip is the youngest cardinal: Mykola bychokEparquial Bishop of the Santos Pedro and Pablo de Melbourne of the Ukraineborn the February 13, 1980. With 45 yearshe will be the only elector less than 50.
Another singular fact offers the call “Senator” of the conclavethe cardinal VINKO PULJICfrom BosniaEmeritus Metropolitan Archbishop VRHBOSNA, Sarajevocreated Cardinal by John Paul II in 1994.
From Naples The last cardinal incorporated into the Electoral College arrives. Is Domenico Battagliaof origin Calabréswhom the Pope Francis designated during the Consistory of the December 7, 2024. His name, however, was released after the initial list of new creations was spread.
How the conclave is performed
Beyond personal profiles, the Conclave procedure It also presents particularities. From the start of the start, all contact with the outside is interrupted and They are blocked Telephones, computers, TVs and tablets.
Besides, Advanced technology is used to prevent leaks. Constant electronic sweeps are performed to guarantee the confidentiality of the process.
During the election, all cardinals stay in the Santa Marta housewhich began to release rooms from Tuesday before the conclave, in order to comfortably house the participants. The rules are clear: it is not allowed to vote for yourself and any designated can reject the papacy.
One of the most recognizable symbols of the conclave is the smokedwhich indicates the result of the voting. However, in 1958a wrong reading of the color of the smoke, gray instead of white, unleashed early celebrations in the San Pedro Square.
To avoid confusion, from 2005 They are used Chemical compounds that intensify the contrast of smoke, and in case of choice they also replace the bells.
Pope’s clothing
In parallel, everything must be prepared for the presentation of the new Pope, including his clothing. From the 18th century, The family Gamarellitraditional Roman tailoring, it makes three Sotanas In different sizes, ready to be used by whoever is chosen, whatever its complexion.
However, that of Pope Francis was the First case in which he refused to greet with all the typical clothingand rejected from Sotanas to the classic red shoes.
Pope’s name
The new Pontiff must also choose a papal name. The most common was Juanused by at least 20 potatoes. This custom goes back to the seventh century, when Juan II He preferred not to be known by his original name, Mercuryfor its association with a pagan deity of the Roman pantheon.
Since then, that practice remained as part of the rite of assumption of the highest position of Catholicism. This name is chosen by the Pope himself in Asunción.
Source: Ambito
