Countdown to Conclave: 2 Days

osv.omeclk.com/portal/public/ViewCommInBrowser.jsp?Sv4%2BeOSSuczO59xJ2InU1qCrvIxpEKXAjj6vN%2FKSpBMOGPLW6VzZxQukK0whUQAjbxcMabRgGjX1iQf4s%2FWBzA%3D%3DA Countdown to Conclave: 2 Days May 5, 2025 Listen to the OSV Newscast 🎙️   Welcome to The Bulletin: Conclave Edition, brought to you by OSV News. Gretchen Crowe, editor-in-chief, and Paulina Guzik, international editor, are in Rome, and we will walk with you from now through the inauguration of a new pope. Andiamo. --- Two days before the conclave is set to begin at the Vatican, St. Peter's is preparing for the announcement of a new pope by putting up the famed red bunting on St. Peter's Loggia. While stuck in a downpour this morning, I also got some sede vacante stamps at the new Vatican post office in St. Peter's Square. It's a historic moment. The cardinals are having a busy day today, meeting both in the morning and in the evening, with a break in-between. After the morning session, the Holy See Press Office's Matteo Bruni gave a short briefing in which he said that there had been 132 electors present (179 total), and that all 133 expected cardinal electors are in Rome. This morning there were 26 speeches given, and topics ranged from canon law, to the mission and nature of the church, to Pope Francis' memorable prayer in St. Peter's Square during COVID. They also commented on the number of journalists present at this time, and how it's a sign that the Gospel still has meaning for the world today. They also spoke of the challenges of evangelization, care for creation and war in a fragmented world, as well as concerns over division in the church. Lots were drawn Saturday afternoon for the rooms the cardinals will stay in. Because there are more than usual, they will be staying at Casa Santa Marta and the adjacent Santa Marta Vecchia (Old Santa Marta). Media asked a lot of questions as to the voting times, and when we might be able to look for smoke -- black or white. Bruni wouldn't give any specifics. OSV News put together this handy graphic, but it's important to remember that this schedule is based on 2013, when there were 117 electors, versus this time, when there are expected to be 133. That means 16 additional cardinal-electors will be casting their votes, and so the smoke could be expected a little bit later. As always, visit our live blog for updates throughout the day. Veni, Sancte Spiritus. -- Gretchen R. Crowe   Be a Vatican insider 🇻🇦 On the final day of official mourning for the death of Pope Francis, the late pontiff was remembered as someone who was determined to live out the mission entrusted to him and serve others, even when his health deteriorated. An AI-generated image of U.S. President Donald Trump dressed as the pope “was not good,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York said in Rome. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, celebrates Mass at his titular church in Rome. Meet Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero of Rabat, Morocco, a European cardinal with global ties.   In case you missed it 🕞 The OSV Newscast did a podcast on the conclave. And John Mulderig goes deep on the recent movie "Conclave" -- on what they got right and wrong about the actual process. Listen to our podcasts here. For all the bragging rights: Tell us who you think the new pope will be. As we approach the start of the conclave, here are 10 frequently asked questions about electing a pope. Workers are busy prepping the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. The modern popes: Get to know the 11 popes before Francis. Want to get in the conclave spirit? Check out these on-screen renditions. Take a closer look at the 11 cardinals with American ties who will cast votes for the next pope. Read more from OSV News on the papal transition.