SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Wednesday marks the beginning of the conclave process to select the next Pope.
28/22 News spoke with a local priest about what to expect from the process in the coming days.
There is a mass in the morning for the cardinal electors, with the first vote expected to take place Wednesday afternoon.
Eyes from all around the world will be watching the Vatican.
On Wednesday, May 7, 133 cardinals will sequester themselves in the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor of Pope Francis.
"Not only are the Cardinals getting to know one another during these what we call preparatory days leading up to the Conclave, they're also discussing the challenges in the world and the church, responsibility and mission in the midst of that," explained Reverand Jeffery D. Tudgay of Saint Peter's Cathedral.
Of those 133, 108 were named by Francis. Reverand Tudgay tells 28/22 News that Pope Francis diversified the group of cardinals, including 12 from countries that will have representation for the first time in the Conclave.
"I would say what is historic about it is the breadth of representation within the college of Cardinals now," said Reverand Tudgay.
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55 countries will be represented by the cardinal electors.
To be the next leader of the Catholic Church, a cardinal needs two-thirds of the votes.
Until that number is reached, two elections will be held in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Regarding who is the favorite for the world, Father Tudgay says anything can happen once the conclave begins.
"To be singularly focused not only in their prayer, but also in their deliberations on where they believe the Holy Spirit is guiding the church now," said Reverand Tudgay.
The Vatican will live stream the smoke on Vatican Media Live.
The best time to view the smoke on the Conclaves' first day on Wednesday is just after 1:00 Eastern time.
