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Cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025. / Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).

The recent history of the Catholic Church shows that the secrecy eventually breaks.

Cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel as the conclave to elect the 266th successor to St. Peter, the 267th pope, begins on May 7, 2025. / Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 10:00 am (CNA).

The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” literally “with a key,” which conveys the image of the cardinal electors being locked in the Sistine Chapel until the new pope is elected.

Isolating the cardinals from outside influences began in 1271 when Pope Gregory X, after a conclave that lasted almost three years following the death of Clement IV — and which was marked by external political interference — approved the apostolic constitution Ubi Periculum, which imposed total isolation for the cardinals in addition to the requirement of continuous voting.

The legislative document prohibited the cardinal electors from receiving messages, visits, or any form of communication with the outside world. It also included pressure measures such as if they had not elected a pope after three days, their food was restricted: First, the most elaborate dishes were eliminated, then even wine.

The importance of secrecy became even more crucial in the modern era. During the 1903 conclave, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria invoked “jus exclusivae” — the right of veto enjoyed by some European Catholic monarchies such as Austria, Spain, and France — to invalidate the candidacy of Italian Cardinal Mariano Rampolla through a representative in the Sistine Chapel.

Although the veto did not prevent Rampolla from gaining several supporters, it very likely influenced the final choice.

As soon as he took the chair of Peter, the newly elected Pope Pius X immediately abolished the veto to protect the conclave from all secular interference. The Ubi Periculum was modified and eventually suspended, but its spirit remains in force in later documents, such as the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of St. John Paul II (1996), which governs the current procedure for modern conclaves.

This document, which was amended by Benedict XVI before his resignation from the papacy in 2013, stipulates that violating the secrecy of the conclave is punishable by automatic excommunication (“latae sententiae”), one of the most severe sanctions under canon law.

The secrecy ends up being broken

However, the recent history of the Catholic Church shows that this secrecy eventually breaks. The 2013 conclave, in which Pope Francis was elected, is a clear example of how, despite strict secrecy, details about the voting rounds and the candidates with the most support were leaked.

Despite the confidentiality required by the process, journalist Gerard O’Connell reconstructed in his book “The Election of Pope Francis” how then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio allegedly received 45 votes in the second round of voting, a figure that rose to 85 in the fifth, thus exceeding the required two-thirds majority. 

He also revealed, citing internal sources, that the candidacies of Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola; Cardinal Marc Ouellet, former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America; and Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, also supposedly had strong showings in the initial ballots.

Even Pope Francis himself shared anecdotes from the conclave that elected him, such as Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes’ suggestion that he adopt the name Francis in honor of the saint of Assisi.

In 2024, journalist Javier Martínez Brocal published the book “El Sucesor” (“The Successor”) in which the late pontiff, the only one with the authority to reveal information about the conclave without violating secrecy, brought to light other details, including those of the 2005 conclave in which Benedict XVI was elected. 

Attempts to block the 2005 election of Benedict XVI 

Specifically, Pope Francis revealed that in the 2005 conclave, following the death of St. John Paul II, the cardinal electors used his name to “block the election of Ratzinger and then negotiate a third, different candidate.”

“It so happened that I ended up with 40 of the 115 votes in the Sistine Chapel. It was enough to stop the candidacy of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, because, if they had continued voting for me, he would not have been able to reach the two-thirds necessary to be elected pope,” he recounted in the book by the Spanish journalist.

Pope Francis, the only one authorized to speak about what was going on in the conclave, stated bluntly: “They used me.”

After making this maneuver public, he made it clear that by voting for him, “the idea of ​​those behind the votes” was not that then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected. “It was a maneuver in all respects. The idea was to block the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. They were using me, but behind the scenes, they were already thinking of proposing another cardinal. They still didn’t agree on who, but they were about to throw out a name,” he emphasized in the book.

In any case, this phenomenon of airing the details of the conclave is not new. In 2005, after the election of Benedict XVI, journalist Lucio Brunelli published a detailed account of the conclave in the magazine Limes based on notes taken by a cardinal. Although these were secondary elements, they made it clear that the wall of silence can sometimes crack.

According to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, secrecy regarding the dynamics of the conclave also extends to non-elector cardinals, who this week participated in the general congregations, the meetings prior to the conclave.

This obligation, in Latin “graviter onerata ipsorum conscientia,” meaning “it weighs on the conscience of those involved,” underscores the profound moral responsibility to maintain secrecy even after the election has taken place, unless the pope himself grants a special dispensation.

However, the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is responsible for recording the results of the final vote count in writing, which also allows for controlled historical documentation of the process.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

This story will be updated regularly as more information becomes available The Catholic Church has a new pope: Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., 69, of the United States has been elected by the College of Cardinal as the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 from stroke and heart failure after a lengthy […]

The post Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. elected pope: What we know about the new leader of the Catholic Church appeared first on U.S. Catholic.

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the Diocese of Caxito in Angola greets children at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish of his Episcopal See. / Credit: Radio Ecclesia Angola

ACI Africa, May 8, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto warned that prioritizing gold mining over “children’s schooling” has far-reaching consequences for his country’s future.

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the Diocese of Caxito in Angola greets children at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish of his Episcopal See. / Credit: Radio Ecclesia Angola

ACI Africa, May 8, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

The formal education of children should be prioritized in Angola, Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the country’s Diocese of Caxito has told parents, guardians, and the government of the southern African nation.

In his homily during a pastoral visit to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in the diocese, Camuto warned that prioritizing gold mining over “children’s schooling” has far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.

“Whatever good we want for our land must begin in our homes. And one of the first steps is education. Parents must be deeply concerned about their children’s education,” the bishop said during the May 4 Eucharistic celebration.

He added: “It’s not foreigners who will develop our land, it’s us. But to achieve that, we must invest in the education of our children.”

While he recognized the government’s effort in building schools in Angola, Camuto lamented that the facilities are underutilized.

“We’re told that many children are not attending classes. Instead, they are out digging for gold. My brothers, this is unacceptable,” he lamented.

The bishop, who is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, condemned the practice of children abandoning their studies in favor of gold mining and called on parents and guardians to take firm action to ensure that children attend school.

“A child cannot spend their day chasing after gold. They must be in school, learning and preparing to contribute to society,” Camuto said.

He faulted parents who fail to monitor their children’s education, saying many are unaware if their children “attend school, complete assignments, or receive quality teaching.”

Turning to educators, the Church leader highlighted absenteeism among teachers as a serious issue.

“In many communities, teachers only show up once a week. The children are learning nothing. We have students in fifth or sixth grade who cannot read or write, who don’t know what 2 plus 2 is,” Camuto lamented.

He warned that continued neglect will result in the perpetuation of illiteracy and national decline, saying: “We risk being dominated again; not because of force but because of ignorance. We must not allow this.”

To address the problem, Camuto urged parents to demand accountability from teachers, reminding them that “public funds pay their salaries.”

He also challenged local authorities to enforce standards. “I say this before the local administrator: Take responsibility. Don’t allow an illiterate society to grow under your watch,” he said.

Camuto called for a collective commitment to change, saying: “Let every parent do their part. Demand that your children study. The time for play and gold digging can come later.”

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

Reference photo of two chefs. / Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

Speaking with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the scientific adviser to the Italian Ministry of Health explained in detail the dishes that make up the special conclave menu, designed specifically to provide the necessary energy for the cardinals who will lead a sedentary life for several days.

“Since they won’t be moving around much and have little time because they have four votes a day, I proposed a menu tailored to this circumstance,” he explained.

The specialist emphasized that the cardinals “need to be focused,” and this raises cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” which the body produces “through the adrenal glands.”

Cortisol, Calabrese explained, “generates insulin, which normally burns sugar, but also generates fat,” which, he emphasized, “they must take into account.”

Breakfast

To lower cortisol levels, he explained that those from Northern European or American cultures, where savory breakfasts are more common, “are overloading their metabolic system just when they need immediate energy, i.e., simple carbohydrates.”

“So it makes more sense for them not to have bacon, eggs, and meat for breakfast but rather a sweet breakfast, with partially skimmed milk and toast with jam or honey.”

They will also be offered tea or coffee. “This is essential because in the morning they have to deal with the stress of voting,” Calabrese told ACI Prensa.

Lunch

“Lunch should be light, quick, and tasty, satisfying the palate without overloading with fat,” the nutritionist emphasized.

Therefore, the menu suggests a first course such as light pasta with tomato and fresh basil, or a vegetable or legume risotto, “for good digestion and a dose of carbohydrates that provide energy.”

For the main course, it would be “white meat or grilled, not fried, fish with steamed or grilled vegetables.”

He also emphasized the importance of using “extra virgin” olive oil and toasting the bread to avoid excessive crumbs, as they contain a lot of fat. On the other hand, he noted that the crust “contains carbohydrates rich in fiber.”

“Since they will continue in the afternoon with two more votes, they may take a short nap,” he explained. For dessert, the nutritionist recommended a piece of fruit.

Snack

“If they were outside, I would tell them to have ice cream. But since they can’t be, the nuns can give them fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.”

Calabrese also recommended having “partially skimmed yogurt” mid-afternoon. “They can also have tea, but one with less caffeine, to avoid agitation.”

Dinner

By evening, they’ve already gone through four votes. “They’re stressed, so they can’t eat pasta carbonara or amatriciana.”

Dinner should be “easy to digest.” Therefore, the proposed menu includes “cooked ham, smoked salmon, bluefish or sardines, tuna without added oil or sauce, and bresaola.”

“All of this can be alternated with fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella,” he added.

Wine in moderation, high-proof alcohol prohibited

Calabrese clarified that if the cardinals desire wine, they should drink it in moderation, and if possible, “only a glass.”

Regarding high-proof alcohol, he explained that “it puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain.”

“They need to keep their minds active and not overtax their liver. That’s why a glass of wine is enough. You drink water to hydrate, you savor wine to nourish yourself,” he pointed out.

In case they don’t like wine, the nutritionist suggested a “Moscato d’Asti, which is only 5% alcohol, is pleasant and low in calories and alcohol.”

Intolerances and allergies

Calabrese noted that, since there are 133 cardinals, someone probably has an intolerance or allergy, something that should be taken into account.

If there are celiac patients, he specified, “they can use gluten-free pasta, or rice, which is gluten-free. Also, oats, corn, and quinoa can be substituted.”

If someone is lactose intolerant, “instead of milk or yogurt, they can have tea or coffee.”

A secret menu ‘under oath’

Calabrese pointed out that the menu was submitted to the Vatican, but ultimately the final decision is made by the nuns who run St. Martha’s House — the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

In addition, there will be “trusted” laypeople in charge of serving the cardinals as well as several cooks, all of whom are sworn to secrecy, as are the other personnel involved, such as the transportation staff, who were sworn in last Monday.

The chef in charge of the kitchens is also subject to strict secrecy. Therefore, the exact menu reserved for the cardinals during the conclave is unknown.

Furthermore, all meals must be prepared exclusively at St. Martha’s House, as bringing in food prepared outside the Vatican kitchens is strictly prohibited.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Reference photo of two chefs. / Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

Speaking with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the scientific adviser to the Italian Ministry of Health explained in detail the dishes that make up the special conclave menu, designed specifically to provide the necessary energy for the cardinals who will lead a sedentary life for several days.

“Since they won’t be moving around much and have little time because they have four votes a day, I proposed a menu tailored to this circumstance,” he explained.

The specialist emphasized that the cardinals “need to be focused,” and this raises cortisol, the so-called “stress hormone,” which the body produces “through the adrenal glands.”

Cortisol, Calabrese explained, “generates insulin, which normally burns sugar, but also generates fat,” which, he emphasized, “they must take into account.”

Breakfast

To lower cortisol levels, he explained that those from Northern European or American cultures, where savory breakfasts are more common, “are overloading their metabolic system just when they need immediate energy, i.e., simple carbohydrates.”

“So it makes more sense for them not to have bacon, eggs, and meat for breakfast but rather a sweet breakfast, with partially skimmed milk and toast with jam or honey.”

They will also be offered tea or coffee. “This is essential because in the morning they have to deal with the stress of voting,” Calabrese told ACI Prensa.

Lunch

“Lunch should be light, quick, and tasty, satisfying the palate without overloading with fat,” the nutritionist emphasized.

Therefore, the menu suggests a first course such as light pasta with tomato and fresh basil, or a vegetable or legume risotto, “for good digestion and a dose of carbohydrates that provide energy.”

For the main course, it would be “white meat or grilled, not fried, fish with steamed or grilled vegetables.”

He also emphasized the importance of using “extra virgin” olive oil and toasting the bread to avoid excessive crumbs, as they contain a lot of fat. On the other hand, he noted that the crust “contains carbohydrates rich in fiber.”

“Since they will continue in the afternoon with two more votes, they may take a short nap,” he explained. For dessert, the nutritionist recommended a piece of fruit.

Snack

“If they were outside, I would tell them to have ice cream. But since they can’t be, the nuns can give them fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.”

Calabrese also recommended having “partially skimmed yogurt” mid-afternoon. “They can also have tea, but one with less caffeine, to avoid agitation.”

Dinner

By evening, they’ve already gone through four votes. “They’re stressed, so they can’t eat pasta carbonara or amatriciana.”

Dinner should be “easy to digest.” Therefore, the proposed menu includes “cooked ham, smoked salmon, bluefish or sardines, tuna without added oil or sauce, and bresaola.”

“All of this can be alternated with fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella,” he added.

Wine in moderation, high-proof alcohol prohibited

Calabrese clarified that if the cardinals desire wine, they should drink it in moderation, and if possible, “only a glass.”

Regarding high-proof alcohol, he explained that “it puts a heavy strain on the liver, and that takes energy away from the brain.”

“They need to keep their minds active and not overtax their liver. That’s why a glass of wine is enough. You drink water to hydrate, you savor wine to nourish yourself,” he pointed out.

In case they don’t like wine, the nutritionist suggested a “Moscato d’Asti, which is only 5% alcohol, is pleasant and low in calories and alcohol.”

Intolerances and allergies

Calabrese noted that, since there are 133 cardinals, someone probably has an intolerance or allergy, something that should be taken into account.

If there are celiac patients, he specified, “they can use gluten-free pasta, or rice, which is gluten-free. Also, oats, corn, and quinoa can be substituted.”

If someone is lactose intolerant, “instead of milk or yogurt, they can have tea or coffee.”

A secret menu ‘under oath’

Calabrese pointed out that the menu was submitted to the Vatican, but ultimately the final decision is made by the nuns who run St. Martha’s House — the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

In addition, there will be “trusted” laypeople in charge of serving the cardinals as well as several cooks, all of whom are sworn to secrecy, as are the other personnel involved, such as the transportation staff, who were sworn in last Monday.

The chef in charge of the kitchens is also subject to strict secrecy. Therefore, the exact menu reserved for the cardinals during the conclave is unknown.

Furthermore, all meals must be prepared exclusively at St. Martha’s House, as bringing in food prepared outside the Vatican kitchens is strictly prohibited.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Reference photo of two chefs. / Credit: Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 08:00 am (CNA).

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave.

Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 am local time over St. Peter’s square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 05:51 am (CNA).

Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 a.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals voting at the conclave have not yet elected a new pope.

The plume of dark smoke indicates that the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside the chapel have not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — needed to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Thursday marks the second day of voting in the conclave, which began on the afternoon of May 7 with a first round of balloting that also produced black smoke.

Thousands of faithful are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, hoping to witness history.

The cardinals will hold four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

If the new pope is not elected on the first morning ballot, a second ballot is held immediately. Both ballots are burned together, leading to possible smoke around noon Rome time. If, however, the pope is elected on the first morning ballot, the white smoke will appear shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The same process is repeated in the afternoon. After a brief break, two more votes will be held. If neither is conclusive, the smoke is expected around 7 p.m. Rome time. However, if the pope is elected on the first ballot of the afternoon, white smoke would be seen shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Thus, on both Thursday and Friday, observers should be alert for four possible times when the smoke may appear each day: two around noon and two in the evening. 

The cardinals are following a structured regimen during the conclave, beginning each day with Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae followed by transfer to the Sistine Chapel for voting. They remain completely sequestered from the outside world, with no access to phones, internet, or news media.

The historical average length for modern conclaves is approximately three days, though the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 lasted only two days.

Black smoke billows from the chimney at 11:53 am local time over St. Peter’s square on May 8, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 / 05:51 am (CNA).

Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel at 11:51 a.m. Rome time on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals voting at the conclave have not yet elected a new pope.

The plume of dark smoke indicates that the 133 cardinal electors sequestered inside the chapel have not reached the required two-thirds majority — at least 89 votes — needed to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

Thursday marks the second day of voting in the conclave, which began on the afternoon of May 7 with a first round of balloting that also produced black smoke.

Thousands of faithful are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, hoping to witness history.

The cardinals will hold four votes each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

If the new pope is not elected on the first morning ballot, a second ballot is held immediately. Both ballots are burned together, leading to possible smoke around noon Rome time. If, however, the pope is elected on the first morning ballot, the white smoke will appear shortly after 10:30 a.m.

The same process is repeated in the afternoon. After a brief break, two more votes will be held. If neither is conclusive, the smoke is expected around 7 p.m. Rome time. However, if the pope is elected on the first ballot of the afternoon, white smoke would be seen shortly after 5:30 p.m.

Thus, on both Thursday and Friday, observers should be alert for four possible times when the smoke may appear each day: two around noon and two in the evening. 

The cardinals are following a structured regimen during the conclave, beginning each day with Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae followed by transfer to the Sistine Chapel for voting. They remain completely sequestered from the outside world, with no access to phones, internet, or news media.

The historical average length for modern conclaves is approximately three days, though the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005 lasted only two days.