With the "extra omnes" pronounced by
the master of papal liturgical celebrations, Monsignor Diego
Ravelli, the conclave to elect the 267th Pope began Wednesday.
All those present now leave the Sistine Chapel, inside which
remain only the cardinal electors, the master himself and the
ecclesiastic in charge of holding the last meditation before the
voting, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa.
Once everyone has left, the master closes the door to the
Sistine Chapel. At the end of the meditation, the master and
Cardinal Cantalamessa also leave the Sistine Chapel and the
voting operations begin.
The first smoke signal is expected at around 7 pm.
It is expected to be black, meaning no pope has been elected.
White smoke means there has been an election.
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