Cardinals Face Intense Media Frenzy as Vatican Prepares for Papal Conclave

VATICAN CITY — Journalists packed the gates of Vatican City Monday, eager for any clues as Catholic cardinals gathered for informal talks ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope. A formal date for the conclave could be set as early as this week.

In a chaotic scene, reporters shouted questions at the arriving cardinals — pressing them about unity, possible divisions, and when voting would begin. One satirical Italian TV reporter even grilled cardinals about whether a controversial, convicted cleric would be allowed to cast a vote.

“There is hope for unity,” said Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, archbishop of Cordoba, who was elevated to cardinal just last year by Pope Francis.

Many cardinals voiced a desire to continue Francis’ pastoral focus on marginalized communities and a church against war. However, conservative factions are hoping for a return to traditional doctrines championed by Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI — with less emphasis on social justice, outreach to women, and LGBTQ+ issues.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, emphasized the importance of unity, brushing off talk of major divisions.
“The role of the pope is to hold us together — that’s a grace from God,” Nichols said.

Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo predicted the conclave could wrap up quickly once underway, suggesting a new pope could be chosen in just two or three days.

This conclave will bring together a College of Cardinals heavily shaped by Francis himself. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote, 108 were appointed by him — many from outside Europe. However, many of these cardinals don’t know each other well, adding an element of unpredictability to the process.

“We’ve got all week,” said Nichols, noting the time needed for cardinals to build consensus.

Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote. Some uncertainty remains about final participation, as one Spanish cardinal has already bowed out for health reasons.

One major question hovers over Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former Vatican powerbroker convicted of financial crimes last year. Officially listed as a “non-elector,” Becciu insists he still has the right to vote, sparking debates among canon lawyers.

While many of Francis’ appointees will cast ballots, it doesn’t guarantee they’ll choose a pope in his image.

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi — seen by some as a frontrunner — was swarmed by journalists as he entered the Vatican, navigating the media scrum with humor but offering no hints about the proceedings.

Cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are expected to be influential in the decision.

Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, although too old to vote, dismissed rumors of political alliances among African cardinals.
“We’re not here for a political rally. We’re here to get a pope,” he said.

African cardinals made headlines last year for their unified resistance to Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics — a stance that could influence the election against progressive candidates.

Meanwhile, voices from Asia and Latin America also stressed unity. Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola, one of four Indian electors, said he felt positive but realistic:
“Anything could happen,” Poola said.

Rossi, the Argentine cardinal, hopes the next pope will carry forward Francis’ message of mercy, charity, and faith. Asked how he felt about his first conclave, he laughed and said simply:
“Afraid.”