As younger cardinals cast votes for the next pope, many older cardinals, above the age of 80 and unable to vote, are sharing their observations and insights on the ongoing conclave within Vatican City.
Older Cardinals Observe Papal Conclave, Share Insights and Reflections
Older Cardinals Observe Papal Conclave, Share Insights and Reflections
Amidst the papal conclave, non-voting older cardinals provide unique perspectives and thoughts on the proceedings.
In Vatican City, May 8, 2025, as younger cardinals actively participate in the voting process to elect a new pope, older cardinals—those aged 80 and older—remain non-voting observers, yet they carry significant experiences and opinions about the selection. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, aged 82, praised Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille for his impressive speech delivered in nearly flawless Italian, indicating Aveline’s potential as a papal candidate.
Another prominent voice, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, aged 65 from Kinshasa, DRC, received similar commendation for his nuanced speech. The conclave proceedings unfold at the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican, where Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, an influential non-voting Italian cardinal, emphasized the immense importance of informal discussions during meals, which can play a pivotal role in shaping opinions and strategies among electors.
The conclave voting system comprises four rounds daily until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. Each round culminates in the burning of ballots, with smoke signals indicating the results—black for no decision, white for a new pope. Notably, Cardinal Calcagno remarked that the first ballot often serves as a "dress rehearsal" to gauge potential frontrunners, illustrating the complex dynamics at play during the elections.
Despite not participating directly, these elder cardinals engage in thoughtful dialogue and strategic reflection during their time at Casa Santa Marta, contributing to an atmosphere rich in tradition, camaraderie, and shared wisdom among the church's leadership. Emma Bubola reports from Rome, capturing the essence of these crucial moments in Catholic history.
Another prominent voice, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, aged 65 from Kinshasa, DRC, received similar commendation for his nuanced speech. The conclave proceedings unfold at the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican, where Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, an influential non-voting Italian cardinal, emphasized the immense importance of informal discussions during meals, which can play a pivotal role in shaping opinions and strategies among electors.
The conclave voting system comprises four rounds daily until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. Each round culminates in the burning of ballots, with smoke signals indicating the results—black for no decision, white for a new pope. Notably, Cardinal Calcagno remarked that the first ballot often serves as a "dress rehearsal" to gauge potential frontrunners, illustrating the complex dynamics at play during the elections.
Despite not participating directly, these elder cardinals engage in thoughtful dialogue and strategic reflection during their time at Casa Santa Marta, contributing to an atmosphere rich in tradition, camaraderie, and shared wisdom among the church's leadership. Emma Bubola reports from Rome, capturing the essence of these crucial moments in Catholic history.
