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Winnipeg Free Press
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
What to know on the second day of the conclave to elect the next pope
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Cardinals are meeting in a secret, sacred conclave for a second day as they seek a new pontiff to follow Pope Francis. The conclave opened at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon but a first round of voting resulted in black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel. The 133 cardinals who are eligible to choose the next pontiff are trying again Thursday to elect a successor to Francis to guide the 1.4 billion strong Roman Catholic church at time of human upheaval. Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church. Spanish nuns gather near the Vatican, in Rome, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, on the day cardinals sequester themselves at the Vatican for the start of a conclave to elect the 267th Roman pontiff, a successor to Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Why is the conclave being held now? The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual. What happens in a conclave? The cardinals are cut off from the world while at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo's famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental 'Last Judgment.' The process — fictionalized in the 2024 political thriller 'Conclave' — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. They began the mystery-steeped ritual of choosing a new pontiff with a morning Mass before entering in procession into the Sistine Chapel. To maintain secrecy and security, the Vatican asked cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cellphone coverage. It also was using signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals are sleeping to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world. White or black smoke signals? The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. How long does it take? The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it's reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter. Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. Who are the contenders? There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered 'papabile,' or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy — even though the late pontiff didn't choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity. What happens after a new pope is chosen? Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the 'Room of Tears' — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments. Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: 'Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!' ('I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!') That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen. A line that stretches back to St. Peter and Jesus Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,' a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy. According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. St. Peter's Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb. Why does the pope matter beyond the Catholic Church? Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up A name to signal a papal direction The first sign of the new pope's priorities will come in the name he chooses. A Francis II might signal a new pope's embrace of Francis' legacy of prioritizing the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration. ____ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Turkey's top court upholds controversial law on culling of stray dogs
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's top court on Wednesday rejected a request to annul a contentious law designed to remove millions of stray dogs from the streets, which critics said could lead to mass killings of the animals. The main opposition party had sought the overturn of the legislation that was enacted last year, arguing that it violated animal rights and the right to life. The Constitutional Court however, has ruled that the provisions are legally valid and for it to continue to be implemented. FILE - A stray dog rests outside Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, July 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, file) Dozens of animal rights activists had gathered near the Constitutional Court to press the court to repeal the law, holding up posters reading 'cancel the blood-ridden law' and shouting anti-government slogans. The government has estimated that some 4 million stray dogs roam Turkey's cities and countryside. While many of the dogs are harmless, the government moved to tighten legislation on stray animals, following incidents of dog attacks, including cases involving children. The law requires municipalities to round up stray dogs and relocate them into shelters where they would be vaccinated, neutered and spayed before making them available for adoption. Dogs that are in pain, terminally ill or pose a health risk to humans would be euthanized. Animal-lovers had strongly opposed the law, fearing it would lead to widespread culling or dogs ending up in disease-ridden and overcrowded shelters. They raised concerns about how financially-strained municipalities would secure funding to construct the additional shelters. They fear that, instead of allocating resources to care for the stray dogs, some municipalities may resort to euthanizing them under the pretext of illness. Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Many animal rights advocates have also claimed that many street animals were indiscriminately killed after the passage of the law. The court ruling is likely to increase pressure on municipalities to enforce the law.
Euronews
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Cardinal electors to start centuries-old ritual to pick new pope later on Wednesday
ADVERTISEMENT As the Vatican prepares to elect a successor to Pope Francis, cardinals from around the world are set to begin the secretive, centuries-old ritual of the conclave. The 133 cardinals from 70 countries will be sequestered from the outside world, their mobile phones surrendered and cell connection around the Vatican jammed to prevent them from all communications until they choose a new leader for the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. Pope Francis named 108 of them, choosing many pastors in his image from countries like Mongolia, Sweden and Tonga that had never had a cardinal before. The stage is set to open the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith's 2,000-year history. The Sistine Chapel where cardinals will gather to elect the new pope, 6 May, 2025 AP Photo/Francisco Seco The late pope's decision to surpass the usual limit of 120 cardinal electors and include younger ones from the global south — often marginalised countries with lower economic clout — has injected an unusual degree of uncertainty into a process that is always full of mystery and suspense. Many hadn't met one another until last week and lamented they needed more time to get to know one another, raising questions about how long it might take for one man to secure the two-thirds majority, or 89 ballots, necessary to become the 267th pope. A final Mass, then 'all out' The process of the conclave starts at 10:00 CET with a Mass in St Peter's Basilica. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, presides over the Mass, which is meant to be a prayer for cardinals to find the wisdom, counsel and understanding to elect a worthy new shepherd. At 4:30 pm the cardinals will walk solemnly into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the meditative "Litany of the Saints" and the Latin hymn "Veni Creator," imploring the saints and the Holy Spirit to help them pick a pope. Once there, they pledge to maintain secrecy about what is about to transpire and to not allow "any interference, opposition or any other form of intervention" from outsiders to influence their voting. Black smoke emerges from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel as cardinals voted on the second day of the conclave to elect a pope in St. Peter's Square, 13 March, 2013. AP Photo After that, the retired preacher of the papal household, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, delivers a meditation. The master of papal liturgical ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, calls out "Extra omnes," Latin for "all out." Anyone not eligible to vote then leaves and the chapel doors close, allowing the work to begin. The first vote is expected by Wednesday evening. Assuming no winner is found, the Vatican said black smoke could be expected out of the Sistine Chapel chimney at around 7pm. The casting of the ballots The voting process follows a strict procedure, dictated by church law. Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper inscribed with the words "Eligo in summen pontificem" — "I elect as Supreme Pontiff." They approach the altar one by one and say: "I call as my witness, Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who, before God, I think should be elected." ADVERTISEMENT After tipping the folded ballots into an oval silver and gold urn, the ballots are opened one by one by three different "scrutineers," cardinals selected at random who write down the names and read them aloud. As the scrutineer reads out each name, he pierces each ballot with a needle through the word "Eligo" and binds them with thread and ties a knot. The ballots are then put aside and burned in the chapel stove along with a chemical to produce either black smoke to signal no winner, or white smoke to announce that a new pope has been elected. Papal vestments of three different sizes hang in the Room of the Tears, where the new pope dresses before appearing on the balcony, at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Vatican Media via AP From Thursday, up to two ballots can be held in the morning and two in the afternoon until a winner is found. While cardinals this week said they expected a short conclave, it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. ADVERTISEMENT For the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days in 1978 — was elected on the third ballot. His successor, John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
What to know about the conclave to elect the next pope
VATICAN CITY (AP) — One hundred and thirty-three cardinals are sequestering themselves behind the Vatican's medieval walls for the start of a conclave starting Wednesday to elect a successor to Pope Francis. Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion faithful across the world. Why is the conclave being held now? The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual. Journalists look at a photograph of the conclave where late Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, and displayed inside the Borgia Apartments at the Vatican Museums during a press tour, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) What happens in a conclave? The cardinals are cut off from the world at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo's famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental 'Last Judgment.' The process — fictionalized in the 2024 political thriller 'Conclave' — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. Taking no chances, the Vatican is asking cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cell phone coverage at the Vatican. It also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals will sleep, in order to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world. White or black smoke signals? The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After two rounds of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism's growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe. How long does it take? The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it's reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter. Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. The conclave opens late afternoon Wednesday. Cardinals are expected to hold the first round of voting on Wednesday, but there is no requirement that they do so. For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013. Who are the contenders? There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered 'papabile,' or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis). Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy — even though the late pontiff didn't choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity. Beyond that, the cardinals will consider practical matters, like age. Picking a relatively young man — say in his 60s — could result in a papacy of 20 years or longer. Picking a pope from where the church is growing – Asia or Africa – could bring more upheaval to the Vatican's Italian-heavy bureaucracy that is still smarting from the Argentine pope's go-it-alone style. What happens after a new pope is chosen? Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the 'Room of Tears' — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments. Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: 'Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!' ('I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!') That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen. A line that stretches back to St. Peter and Jesus Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, 'You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,' a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy. According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. St. Peter's Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb. Why does the pope matter beyond the Catholic Church? Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War. Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders. A name to signal a papal direction The first sign of the new pope's priorities will come in the name he chooses. A Francis II might signal a new pope's embrace of Francis' legacy of prioritizing the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration. From John Paul to Benedict to Francis, each name has carried historical weight and theological intent. For the 267th pope, it will be his first message to the world. ____ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
News24
23-04-2025
- General
- News24
A World in mourning: Pope Francis lies in state as tributes pour in
Christians around the world—especially Catholics—continue to honour the life and legacy of the late Pope Francis. Tributes pour in as the faithful gather in solemn reflection. These powerful images capture a poignant chapter in history, etched in reverence and remembrance. Francisco Seco/AP Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Andreea Alexandru/AP Andreea Alexandru/AP Mahmoud Illean/AP Mohammed Salem/Reuters Francisco Seco/AP Ammar Awad/Reuters Faithful pay respects as Pope Francis lies in state in St. Peters Basilica, at the Vatican, April 23, 2025. Andrew Medichini/AP Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Susana Vera/Reuters Esa Alexander/Reuters Vatican Media via AP Show Comments ()
