As Pope Francis continues to receive medical care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, discussions surrounding the future leadership of the Catholic Church have gained momentum.
While the Vatican has reassured the public that the Pope’s condition is stable, his advanced age and prior health challenges have led to increased preparations for the possibility of a papal conclave.
Should a conclave be convened, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 will be eligible to cast their votes, including four representatives from India.
The Four Indian Cardinals Eligible to Vote
Among those who will participate in the selection of the next pope are four Indian cardinals, each bringing distinct experience and perspectives to the process.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, 72, serves as the Archbishop of Goa and Daman. He is widely recognized for his efforts in promoting social justice and fostering interreligious dialogue.
Cardinal Cleemis Baselios, 64, holds the position of Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2012, further strengthening India’s presence in the Church’s leadership.
Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, made history as India’s first Dalit cardinal. His work primarily focuses on uplifting marginalized communities and advocating for their rights within the Church.
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, brings diplomatic expertise to the conclave. As a Vatican diplomat and Syro-Malabar archbishop, he has played a key role in organizing the Pope’s international visits.
The Papal Conclave Process
In the event of Pope Francis’ resignation or passing, the process of selecting a new pontiff will take place in the Sistine Chapel, following time-honored traditions that have been observed for centuries.
The proceedings begin with all voting cardinals swearing an oath of secrecy. Once inside the conclave, they are completely cut off from the outside world to ensure confidentiality in the decision-making process.
Voting is conducted in multiple rounds, with each cardinal writing down the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot. To be elected as the new pope, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority of the votes.
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove within the chapel. If no candidate secures the required majority, black smoke is released from the chimney, signaling that deliberations will continue. Once a decision is made and a pope is chosen, white smoke rises, and the newly elected pontiff is introduced to the world with the traditional Latin announcement: “Habemus Papam,” which translates to “We have a Pope.”
India’s presence in the Catholic Church has grown steadily over the years, with its cardinals playing an active role in past papal elections. During the 2013 conclave that led to the selection of Pope Francis, Indian cardinals, including Oswald Gracias and Baselios Cleemis, were instrumental in the voting process.
With four Indian cardinals now set to participate in the next conclave, their role in shaping the future leadership of the Church is more significant than ever before.
