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The Society of Catholic Scientists convenes in South Bend, Indiana, in 2019. / Credit: Photo courtesy of Stephen Barr

CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 14:30 pm (CNA).

The 2025 Conference of the Society of Catholic Scientists (SCS) will take place June 6–8 at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with several talks set to address the origins of the human race from scientific, theological, and philosophical perspectives. 

Stephen Barr, a physicist at the University of Delaware and founder of the group, told CNA he expects this year’s convention to attract approximately 150 attendees, including a significant number of young participants, mainly graduate students. The SCS has grown to over 2,000 members worldwide since its founding in 2016, with its first annual conference taking place in 2017.

Key topics this year include studies on the human mind, free will, and the relationship between neuroscience and philosophical views on human nature. In addition, three separate talks on human origins will explore the Catholic Church’s views on evolution.

On the society’s website, the SCS describes itself as an answer to the call of St. John Paul II that “members of the Church who are active scientists” be of service to those who are attempting to “integrate the worlds of science and religion in their own intellectual and spiritual lives.”

He said one of the main goals of the SCS annual conference is to be a place where Catholic scientists meet one another and have spiritual and intellectual fellowship.

“[W]hat we want to do is break that vicious cycle and show the world and each other that there are a lot of religious scientists ... There are a lot of Catholic scientists out there,” Barr said. 

“I think our organization will help younger Catholics in science see that … they’re part of a very large community” and will help them to “overcome their sense of isolation [and] make them more confident.”

Barr previously told CNA that despite the large numbers of scientists who are religious, many of them likely feel they cannot share their faith openly in their workplaces. Despite the Church’s long-standing support of science, Barr said he still encounters the misconception that most scientists are atheists.

“[R]eligious scientists tend to be a little quieter and maybe more cautious because they’re playing it safe … You keep your head down a little bit. Why invite trouble?” he said.

Last year’s conference, held at Mundelein Seminary northwest of Chicago, focused heavily on artificial intelligence. Barr said this year’s event will feature a variety of topics rather than focusing on just one. While most of the speakers are highly trained scientists, “fully a third of the talks” will be given by theologians or philosophers, Barr noted.

Philosopher and Dominican Father Anselm Ramelow will discuss “Free Will, Aquinas, and the Brain,” addressing claims from neuroscience suggesting humans might not have free will and are merely “machines.”

Renowned Harvard mathematician Martin Nowak will present a talk on “Does Mathematics Lead to God?” — the first time an SCS conference has featured a talk specifically on mathematics, Barr said. And a cosmologist from Arizona State University, Rogier Windhorst, will discuss the James Webb Space Telescope and what it has discovered since it launched in late 2021. 

The conference will also feature an after-dinner talk by Ross Douthat from the New York Times, a Catholic convert who will discuss his new book “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious,” which references scientific evidence through a religious worldview. 

The 2025 conference is open to both SCS members and nonmembers and will be livestreamed for free.

Barr said the talk given by Kenneth Kemp, whose forthcoming book examines the Catholic Church’s view of the evolution of the human race, is deeply connected to questions about the soul and what distinguishes humans from other animals.

“This is one of the big perennial questions. The question of whether we have souls,” Barr said. 

The event will feature a discussion on Neanderthal personhood and its potential implications for the history of humanity and for people of faith. Neanderthals, a species of humanoids that went extinct about 40,000 years ago, are thought to have been outcompeted by modern humans. 

“Did they have language? Did they have reason? ... If Neanderthals had rational souls, that would push the beginnings of humanity back [to] 600,000 years ago instead of 200,000 or 300,000. It’s an interesting question,” Barr said. 

University of Pittsburgh scientist Mark Saxen will rigorously examine near-death experiences in his presentation. Kelly Kearse, a science teacher at Knoxville Catholic High School, will examine Eucharistic miracles from a scientific standpoint.

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 13:30 pm (CNA).

The newly elected pope will leave the Sistine Chapel at the conclusion of the conclave and walk into a small antechamber, known as the “Room of Tears,” to be vested into his papal attire for the first time. 

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people and impart his first “urbi et orbi” blessing:  

The white skullcap — also known as a “zuchetto” or “pileolus” — covers the front and back of the pope’s head, signifying the authority of the pontiff above other prelates. It has an ecclesiastical history that dates back to the 13th century and is similar to the brimless hat worn by ancient Romans. 

The white cassock — a long-sleeved, ankle-length garment — is tailor-made from 100% wool or a wool blend that signifies the innocence, charity, and holiness of the papal office, according to 13th-century French Bishop William Duranti. Cassocks, which have historical links to the Roman robe known as the “caracalla,” are traditionally made with 33 buttons to represent the 33 years of Jesus’ life before his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

A white sash made of linen or silk, also called a “fascia,” is worn over the cassock just above the waist and represents the pope’s devotion, dedication, and submission to Jesus Christ’s call to serve and look after his Church. The fascia is a symbol of readiness to minister to the people of God.

A white shoulder cape or “pellegrina” attached to the cassock is worn over the pope’s shoulders. This garment can also be worn by cardinals, bishops, and priests, but only the pope can wear the pellegrina, which resembles the capes worn by Catholic pilgrims in the past, in white.   

The white rochet is a knee-length garment worn over the cassock that is used by prelates as an indicator of their clerical ranking and a physical reminder of their call to serve the Church. It is used for nonliturgical ceremonies and symbolizes the dignity and spiritual purity of the one who wears it.  

A white surplice, a loose linen or cotton vestment worn over the rochet, symbolizes the white robe of baptism and rebirth into the life of Jesus Christ. The white or ivory color represents the spiritual purity, holiness, and humility of the cleric who wears it.

A red cape, known as a “mozetta,” which falls at the shoulders, symbolizes the pope’s authority and his call to compassion.  

The pectoral cross suspended by a gold cord is worn over the mozzetta near the pectoral muscle that protects the heart. In a gesture of sorrow for sin — or “peccatum” in Latin — you beat your breast since it is through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that hearts are reconciled to God and sins are forgiven, explained Bishop Austin Anthony Vetter of Helena, Montana, in a 2020 video posted by the diocese on Facebook. 

The fisherman’s ring is placed on the pope’s finger following his election as a sign of his reign as the new pontiff and successor of St. Peter.

A red stole with golden embroidery is worn over the shoulders. This garment represents the pope’s priestly consecration and responsibility to lead the Church as a good shepherd who carries his sheep on his shoulders and bears the yoke or “sweet burden” of Jesus Christ.

A pair of red leather shoes has been used by several popes over the centuries and has its origins in the early Church and the ancient Roman Empire.The color represents the passion of Jesus and the blood of martyrs, according to Liturgical Arts Journal founder Shawn Tribe.

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 13:30 pm (CNA).

The newly elected pope will leave the Sistine Chapel at the conclusion of the conclave and walk into a small antechamber, known as the “Room of Tears,” to be vested into his papal attire for the first time. 

Here is a list of the garments you may see the new pope wearing once he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people and impart his first “urbi et orbi” blessing:  

The white skullcap — also known as a “zuchetto” or “pileolus” — covers the front and back of the pope’s head, signifying the authority of the pontiff above other prelates. It has an ecclesiastical history that dates back to the 13th century and is similar to the brimless hat worn by ancient Romans. 

The white cassock — a long-sleeved, ankle-length garment — is tailor-made from 100% wool or a wool blend that signifies the innocence, charity, and holiness of the papal office, according to 13th-century French Bishop William Duranti. Cassocks, which have historical links to the Roman robe known as the “caracalla,” are traditionally made with 33 buttons to represent the 33 years of Jesus’ life before his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

A white sash made of linen or silk, also called a “fascia,” is worn over the cassock just above the waist and represents the pope’s devotion, dedication, and submission to Jesus Christ’s call to serve and look after his Church. The fascia is a symbol of readiness to minister to the people of God.

A white shoulder cape or “pellegrina” attached to the cassock is worn over the pope’s shoulders. This garment can also be worn by cardinals, bishops, and priests, but only the pope can wear the pellegrina, which resembles the capes worn by Catholic pilgrims in the past, in white.   

The white rochet is a knee-length garment worn over the cassock that is used by prelates as an indicator of their clerical ranking and a physical reminder of their call to serve the Church. It is used for nonliturgical ceremonies and symbolizes the dignity and spiritual purity of the one who wears it.  

A white surplice, a loose linen or cotton vestment worn over the rochet, symbolizes the white robe of baptism and rebirth into the life of Jesus Christ. The white or ivory color represents the spiritual purity, holiness, and humility of the cleric who wears it.

A red cape, known as a “mozetta,” which falls at the shoulders, symbolizes the pope’s authority and his call to compassion.  

The pectoral cross suspended by a gold cord is worn over the mozzetta near the pectoral muscle that protects the heart. In a gesture of sorrow for sin — or “peccatum” in Latin — you beat your breast since it is through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ that hearts are reconciled to God and sins are forgiven, explained Bishop Austin Anthony Vetter of Helena, Montana, in a 2020 video posted by the diocese on Facebook. 

The fisherman’s ring is placed on the pope’s finger following his election as a sign of his reign as the new pontiff and successor of St. Peter.

A red stole with golden embroidery is worn over the shoulders. This garment represents the pope’s priestly consecration and responsibility to lead the Church as a good shepherd who carries his sheep on his shoulders and bears the yoke or “sweet burden” of Jesus Christ.

A pair of red leather shoes has been used by several popes over the centuries and has its origins in the early Church and the ancient Roman Empire.The color represents the passion of Jesus and the blood of martyrs, according to Liturgical Arts Journal founder Shawn Tribe.

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 13:00 pm (CNA).

When Pope Leo XIII was elected in 1878, the story goes that he wept. At age 67, he thought he was too old for the job. (He lived to be the second-oldest pope and died at the age of 93). 

When in 1958 Pope John XXIII looked in the mirror at his white vestments — pinned in various places due to his large size — he joked that he would be a “disaster on television.” 

It’s no wonder that, for the newly-elected popes throughout history, the antechamber of the Sistine Chapel holding the papal garments became more than just a room in which to change their clothes.

The small room where the newly-elected pope changes from the red clothes of a cardinal to the white vestments of a pope is known as the “Room of Tears,” (“Stanza delle Lacrime” in Italian). In case that wasn’t weighty enough, others call it the “Crying Room.” 

The Room of Tears is just a few feet away from the Sistine Chapel, where the monumental decision of the papal election is made. 

After the pope-elect accepts his role, thus ending the conclave, the cardinal dean asks him what his papal name will be. Following the decision, the newly elected pope has a few moments in the Room of Tears, where he is dressed in his white papal vestments. Moments later, he will look out upon St. Peter’s Square, greeting the world as pope for the first time.  

The antechamber holds three sizes of papal vestments — small, medium, and large — as well as boxes of papal shoes. 

But beyond just the practical, the small space holds memorabilia and documents as well as the vestments of various popes over the years.  

Pope Francis recalled in his 2025 autobiography “Hope” that after entering the sacristy, he found his episcopal ring in his pocket. He avoided the red velvet cape, known as a mozzetta, and the red shoes — “I have orthopedic shoes; I’m rather flat-footed,” he wrote.  

While the room is usually locked, sometimes people are able to visit the room, which is just to the left of the Sistine Chapel when facing the altar.

Vestments rest in the Room of Tears at the Sistine Chapel ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 13:00 pm (CNA).

When Pope Leo XIII was elected in 1878, the story goes that he wept. At age 67, he thought he was too old for the job. (He lived to be the second-oldest pope and died at the age of 93). 

When in 1958 Pope John XXIII looked in the mirror at his white vestments — pinned in various places due to his large size — he joked that he would be a “disaster on television.” 

It’s no wonder that, for the newly-elected popes throughout history, the antechamber of the Sistine Chapel holding the papal garments became more than just a room in which to change their clothes.

The small room where the newly-elected pope changes from the red clothes of a cardinal to the white vestments of a pope is known as the “Room of Tears,” (“Stanza delle Lacrime” in Italian). In case that wasn’t weighty enough, others call it the “Crying Room.” 

The Room of Tears is just a few feet away from the Sistine Chapel, where the monumental decision of the papal election is made. 

After the pope-elect accepts his role, thus ending the conclave, the cardinal dean asks him what his papal name will be. Following the decision, the newly elected pope has a few moments in the Room of Tears, where he is dressed in his white papal vestments. Moments later, he will look out upon St. Peter’s Square, greeting the world as pope for the first time.  

The antechamber holds three sizes of papal vestments — small, medium, and large — as well as boxes of papal shoes. 

But beyond just the practical, the small space holds memorabilia and documents as well as the vestments of various popes over the years.  

Pope Francis recalled in his 2025 autobiography “Hope” that after entering the sacristy, he found his episcopal ring in his pocket. He avoided the red velvet cape, known as a mozzetta, and the red shoes — “I have orthopedic shoes; I’m rather flat-footed,” he wrote.  

While the room is usually locked, sometimes people are able to visit the room, which is just to the left of the Sistine Chapel when facing the altar.

In his homily on the morning of May 7, at the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit before the papal conclave began, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, preached on Acts of the Apostles 1:14, when the disciples and Mary, Mother of God, gathered together to pray and wait for the […]

The post Conclave day one: No pope yet, but hope grows outside Sistine Chapel appeared first on U.S. Catholic.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, New Jersey. / Credit: Farragutful via Wikimedia

CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 12:25 pm (CNA).

The Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, said this week that it will drop its fight against the state’s efforts to empanel a grand jury to investigate clergy abuse allegations.

Camden Bishop Joseph Williams earlier this month said he intended to “do the right thing” for abuse victims in the diocese, which has been embroiled in a yearslong fight with the state of New Jersey over whether the government can empanel a grand jury to investigate allegations of abuse by priests and other Church officials. 

The New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments from both the diocese and the state last month on the matter. But in a Monday letter to the high court, Trenton-based law firm Cooper Levenson said that, per Williams, the diocese “will not object to the empanelment of a grand jury” any further. 

The bishop made the decision “in consultation with the diocese’s board of trustees, college of consultors, and finance council,” the letter said. 

In a letter to the diocese this week, Williams — who became bishop of the diocese on March 17 — told the faithful that diocesan leaders told the state attorney general’s office that they wished to be “partners with them in this public service.” 

“[T]he most important goal of this legal change of direction was to show our sensitivity to the survivors of abuse” and help restore their faith, Williams wrote. 

“I will remain committed to that goal in the months and years ahead,” he said. He further praised the work done previously by the diocese and Bishop Dennis Sullivan to implement “the best nationally recognized safe environment recommendations” in the Camden Diocese. 

“Implementing these protocols can be hard — sometimes exhausting — work, but our children are worth it, the pain the survivors have experienced demands it, and the credibility of the Church we love and Christ died for urges us on,” the bishop wrote. 

The diocese further expressed “concern that the due process rights of any accused members of the clergy be protected” over the course of the grand jury inquiry. 

The Diocese of Camden had previously argued that New Jersey “cannot convene a grand jury to return a presentment unless it addresses public affairs or conditions, censures public officials, or calls attention to imminent conditions.” 

Instances of “clergy sexual abuse that is alleged to have taken place decades ago” do not fall under that purview, the diocese argued before dropping its opposition. 

The New Jersey government moved to convene the grand jury there after the bombshell 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report found allegations of decades of clergy sexual abuse in the latter state.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden, New Jersey. / Credit: Farragutful via Wikimedia

CNA Staff, May 7, 2025 / 12:25 pm (CNA).

The Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, said this week that it will drop its fight against the state’s efforts to empanel a grand jury to investigate clergy abuse allegations.

Camden Bishop Joseph Williams earlier this month said he intended to “do the right thing” for abuse victims in the diocese, which has been embroiled in a yearslong fight with the state of New Jersey over whether the government can empanel a grand jury to investigate allegations of abuse by priests and other Church officials. 

The New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments from both the diocese and the state last month on the matter. But in a Monday letter to the high court, Trenton-based law firm Cooper Levenson said that, per Williams, the diocese “will not object to the empanelment of a grand jury” any further. 

The bishop made the decision “in consultation with the diocese’s board of trustees, college of consultors, and finance council,” the letter said. 

In a letter to the diocese this week, Williams — who became bishop of the diocese on March 17 — told the faithful that diocesan leaders told the state attorney general’s office that they wished to be “partners with them in this public service.” 

“[T]he most important goal of this legal change of direction was to show our sensitivity to the survivors of abuse” and help restore their faith, Williams wrote. 

“I will remain committed to that goal in the months and years ahead,” he said. He further praised the work done previously by the diocese and Bishop Dennis Sullivan to implement “the best nationally recognized safe environment recommendations” in the Camden Diocese. 

“Implementing these protocols can be hard — sometimes exhausting — work, but our children are worth it, the pain the survivors have experienced demands it, and the credibility of the Church we love and Christ died for urges us on,” the bishop wrote. 

The diocese further expressed “concern that the due process rights of any accused members of the clergy be protected” over the course of the grand jury inquiry. 

The Diocese of Camden had previously argued that New Jersey “cannot convene a grand jury to return a presentment unless it addresses public affairs or conditions, censures public officials, or calls attention to imminent conditions.” 

Instances of “clergy sexual abuse that is alleged to have taken place decades ago” do not fall under that purview, the diocese argued before dropping its opposition. 

The New Jersey government moved to convene the grand jury there after the bombshell 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report found allegations of decades of clergy sexual abuse in the latter state.

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

Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 11:55 am (CNA).

With the proclamation of “extra omnes” (“outside everyone”) on the afternoon of May 7, the thick wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel were closed and guarded at every entrance by Swiss Guards while the 133 cardinal electors began the process of choosing the new pope and leader of the universal Catholic Church.

Seated at rows of tables beneath the gaze of Michelangelo’s powerful image of the Last Judgment, before any further discussions or the expected first casting of votes (called the “scrutio”), the cardinal electors will listen to a meditation from 90-year-old Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, the former preacher of the papal household for 44 years.

According to the rubrics for conclaves, Cantalamessa — selected last week by the College of Cardinals — should preach to the electors on the very serious nature of their task and the necessity that they act with right intention, doing their best to carry out the will of God, and willing the good of the whole Church, to elect the next Roman pontiff.

Then, Cantalamessa and Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of papal ceremonies, will be the last two people to leave the Sistine Chapel before voting begins. The first view of smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney is expected sometime this evening Rome time.

The session will close with an invocation to the Virgin Mary, the chanting of the “Sub tuum praesidium,” the Church’s oldest Marian hymn.

The rite of procession into the conclave and the swearing of the cardinals began from the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace at 4:30 p.m. Rome time. The cardinals, in order of rank, processed a short distance into the Sistine Chapel to the chanting of the Litany of Saints, followed by invocations, including a prayer that the Lord “grant to your Church a pontiff who pleases you with the holiness of his life” and “that you pour out upon this conclave the power of your Spirit.”

Inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal elector stood before his assigned seat, facing the Book of the Gospels, placed on a lectern in the center of the room.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state during Francis’ pontificate, intoned the “Veni, Creator Spiritus” and then, as celebrant of the rite, prayed: “O Father, who guides and guards your Church, give to your servants the Spirit of intelligence, of truth, of peace, so that they may strive to know your will, and serve you with total dedication. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.”

A moment of silence preceded Parolin’s reading of the oath each cardinal is required to take: “We promise, obligate, and swear that we will faithfully and scrupulously observe all the prescriptions contained in the apostolic constitution of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, Universi Dominus Gregis… Likewise, we promise, obligate, and swear that whichever of us, by divine disposition, is elected Roman pontiff, will undertake to faithfully carry out the “munus Petrinum” of pastor of the universal Church and will not fail to strenuously affirm and defend the spiritual and temporal rights and freedom of the Holy See. Above all, we promise and swear to observe with the utmost fidelity and with all, both clerics and laity, secrecy about everything that in any way pertains to the election of the Roman pontiff and about what takes place in the place of the election, concerning directly or indirectly the ballot; not to violate in any way this secrecy either during or after the election of the new pontiff, unless explicit authorization has been granted by the pontiff himself; never to lend support or favor to any interference, opposition, or other any form of intervention by which secular authorities of whatever order and degree, or any group of persons or individuals who wish to interfere in the election of the Roman pontiff.”

Then, each of the 133 cardinals took their turn at the lectern and, placing his hand on the Book of the Gospels, said: “So help me God and these holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.”

Ravelli then declared “extra omnes,” all assistants and ministers left the room, and the livestream turned off.

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

Vatican City, May 7, 2025 / 11:55 am (CNA).

With the proclamation of “extra omnes” (“outside everyone”) on the afternoon of May 7, the thick wooden doors of the Sistine Chapel were closed and guarded at every entrance by Swiss Guards while the 133 cardinal electors began the process of choosing the new pope and leader of the universal Catholic Church.

Seated at rows of tables beneath the gaze of Michelangelo’s powerful image of the Last Judgment, before any further discussions or the expected first casting of votes (called the “scrutio”), the cardinal electors will listen to a meditation from 90-year-old Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap, the former preacher of the papal household for 44 years.

According to the rubrics for conclaves, Cantalamessa — selected last week by the College of Cardinals — should preach to the electors on the very serious nature of their task and the necessity that they act with right intention, doing their best to carry out the will of God, and willing the good of the whole Church, to elect the next Roman pontiff.

Then, Cantalamessa and Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of papal ceremonies, will be the last two people to leave the Sistine Chapel before voting begins. The first view of smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney is expected sometime this evening Rome time.

The session will close with an invocation to the Virgin Mary, the chanting of the “Sub tuum praesidium,” the Church’s oldest Marian hymn.

The rite of procession into the conclave and the swearing of the cardinals began from the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace at 4:30 p.m. Rome time. The cardinals, in order of rank, processed a short distance into the Sistine Chapel to the chanting of the Litany of Saints, followed by invocations, including a prayer that the Lord “grant to your Church a pontiff who pleases you with the holiness of his life” and “that you pour out upon this conclave the power of your Spirit.”

Inside the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal elector stood before his assigned seat, facing the Book of the Gospels, placed on a lectern in the center of the room.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state during Francis’ pontificate, intoned the “Veni, Creator Spiritus” and then, as celebrant of the rite, prayed: “O Father, who guides and guards your Church, give to your servants the Spirit of intelligence, of truth, of peace, so that they may strive to know your will, and serve you with total dedication. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.”

A moment of silence preceded Parolin’s reading of the oath each cardinal is required to take: “We promise, obligate, and swear that we will faithfully and scrupulously observe all the prescriptions contained in the apostolic constitution of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, Universi Dominus Gregis… Likewise, we promise, obligate, and swear that whichever of us, by divine disposition, is elected Roman pontiff, will undertake to faithfully carry out the “munus Petrinum” of pastor of the universal Church and will not fail to strenuously affirm and defend the spiritual and temporal rights and freedom of the Holy See. Above all, we promise and swear to observe with the utmost fidelity and with all, both clerics and laity, secrecy about everything that in any way pertains to the election of the Roman pontiff and about what takes place in the place of the election, concerning directly or indirectly the ballot; not to violate in any way this secrecy either during or after the election of the new pontiff, unless explicit authorization has been granted by the pontiff himself; never to lend support or favor to any interference, opposition, or other any form of intervention by which secular authorities of whatever order and degree, or any group of persons or individuals who wish to interfere in the election of the Roman pontiff.”

Then, each of the 133 cardinals took their turn at the lectern and, placing his hand on the Book of the Gospels, said: “So help me God and these holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.”

Ravelli then declared “extra omnes,” all assistants and ministers left the room, and the livestream turned off.