Cardinals Begin Final Preparations As Historic Papal Conclave Set To Begin Tomorrow

Cardinals are set to begin moving into their accommodation within the Vatican on Tuesday, ahead of the start of the conclave - the highly secretive and historic meeting to elect a new pope - which begins on Wednesday.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a process that could span hours, days, or even months, reported AFP.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

While the cardinals usually reside at the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse, which offers en-suite facilities and hotel-style service, the number of rooms is insufficient this time.

This conclave, which includes representatives from 70 nations across five continents, is both the largest and the most internationally diverse in history.

To accommodate everyone, some cardinals will be housed in Santa Marta Vecchia, an adjacent building typically used by Vatican officials.

Cardinals will be able to access their assigned rooms - allocated by drawing lots - from Tuesday, ahead of the Mass on Wednesday morning that formally opens the conclave.

Although Pope Francis and his predecessor Benedict XVI were both elected within two days, history's longest papal election lasted 1,006 days, from 1268 to 1271.

On Tuesday morning, the cardinal electors (those under the age of 80), along with older, non-voting cardinals, took part in their final pre-conclave meetings. These near-daily sessions have covered topics ranging from the Vatican's finances and the clerical abuse scandal to the unity of the Church and qualities desired in the next pontiff.

Franco-Algerian Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco told Corriere della Sera that the discussions helped foster unity among the group.

"We've come from so many countries, and many of us had never met before. We've finally had the chance to get to know each other," he said.

He estimated there were "at least five or six" viable candidates.

"There are those seen as 'natural' contenders due to their profile and personality. Then there are those who speak and leave you thinking, 'That's compelling.' But there's no clear frontrunner who overshadows the rest. That moment will come," Vesco added.

Pope Francis, an energetic reformer from Buenos Aires, helped modernise the Church during his 12-year papacy, though critics accused him of straying from core Catholic teachings.

The pressing question is whether his successor will continue on this progressive path or lead the Church in a more conservative, traditional direction.

Francis appointed around 80 per cent of the current electors, but observers note this doesn't guarantee a like-minded successor. Many believe the conclave could bring surprises.

Cardinals are bound by strict secrecy rules under penalty of excommunication and must avoid all outside contact until a new pope is chosen.

The Vatican confirmed on Monday evening that mobile phone signals within the city-state would be disabled from 3pm (1300 GMT) on Wednesday until a new pontiff is elected - though this will not affect St Peter's Square.

Cardinals must surrender their mobile phones before voting begins. The world will be kept informed of progress via the traditional smoke signals - black for no decision, white for a successful election.

All supporting personnel, including medical staff, lift operators, catering teams, and cleaners, are also sworn to secrecy and took oaths on Monday.