Five days before the start of the conclave, the Vatican installed Friday on the roof of the Sistine Chapel the famous fireplace which will issue white smoke announcing, after the Cardinals vote, the election of a new pope.
Shortly after 9:00 am (07:00 GMT), firefighters finished fixing on the tile roof the end of brown metal cylinder, covered with a cap, which will concentrate all eyes from May 7, date of the start of the conclave.
From Place Saint-Pierre crowded, the installation has gone rather unnoticed, on the building located to the right of the majestic basilica of the same name. But tourists and believers know exactly what he is going on.
“It is for smoke,” said Diana Ispego, Mexican installed in the United States, who ensures a particular atmosphere in this period of waiting, “more spiritual”.
“It’s a historic moment, it is very special to be in Rome a few days after the Pope’s burial. It happens once in life! “Exclaims Glenn Atherton, who came from London.
The 252 cardinals from around the world were recalled in Rome following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.
Among them, 133 “Princes of the Church” aged under the age of 80 and therefore authorized to elect his successor will meet for a closed -door conclave for an unknown period, but that several cardinals predict brief.
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The “Sacred College” has 135 voters in total but two have withdrawn for health reasons: John Njue (Kenya) and Antonio Canizares Llovera (Spain), said Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican press service on Friday.
Bruni, on the other hand, refuted press information reporting a health alert Thursday by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who appears to be one of the main “papabili” (favorites) and who will preside the conclave. “This is not true,” he said during a press briefing.
The first day of the conclave on Wednesday, the cardinals will vote in the afternoon, then from Thursday twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.
For a cardinal to be elected, he must obtain a majority of two thirds, at least 89 votes.
If no candidate obtains enough votes during the first morning vote, the cardinals will proceed to a second vote, and it is only at its outcome that smoke will be issued.
The same goes for the afternoon session: if a pope is elected during the first vote, the white smoke will appear, otherwise the cardinals will proceed to a second vote without burning the bulletins.
After three days without result, the ballot is interrupted for a day of prayers. Then other series of elections are organized until the final election.
Until then, the cardinals meet in the morning for “general congregations” where they discuss the priority themes of the Church. Friday, the eighth session of these concertations was opened on Friday, with more than 180 cardinals present, including more than 120 voters, according to Mr. Bruni.
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“According to my information, four voters still have to join Rome,” he said.
The themes addressed by cardinals on Friday morning were, among other things, “the need for unity, the risk of counter-testimony (on sexual violence or financial scandals), the liturgy,” he added.
“I think the Church is in prayer mode, but it must also put itself in surprise mode. Remember what happened with Pope Francis. And what a surprise! “Salvadoral Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez told journalists.
The Argentinian Jesuit was not a favorite before the last conclave, which led to his election on March 13, 2013.
“We have many nationalities. The periphery is present, it is incredible, “he added, in reference to the fact that François appointed 80% of cardinals, including an unprecedented number from geographically distant areas from Rome or cash very few Catholics.
Challenge (with AFP)
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