TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Papal Conclave to select a new Pope to replace Pope Francis will begin on May 7, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican. This moment is one of the most anticipated by the world's Catholic community. Many want to be there during the process, even though the conclave is closed and highly secretive.
According to Forbes, flight searches to Rome for the period of May 5-14, 2025, have surged drastically. For instance, the increase in flight schedules from America could reach over 345 percent, and even from Mexico, it has increased by up to 1,000 percent.
This conclave coincides with the Jubilee year, attracting many pilgrims and tourists to visit the Vatican City. Thousands of people will crowd St. Peter's Square to witness the sacred ritual, until the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, indicating the election of a new Pope.
The Papal Election Process
The conclave is the process of electing a Pope that has been in place since the Middle Ages. Only cardinals under the age of 80 have the right to vote in a secret ballot. This year, there are 133 cardinals who will gather in the Sistine Chapel, the site of the conclave since the 15th century. During the process, the cardinals will temporarily reside at Domus Sanctae Marthae, located on the south side of St. Peter's Basilica, where the new Pope will appear after being elected.
Despite being closed, the conclave attracts tourists who want to witness the smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel during the process. If no candidate receives two-thirds of the votes, black smoke will billow from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, indicating that a new Pope has not been elected. Conversely, when a majority vote is reached, white smoke will emerge from the chimney, which will be warmly welcomed by Catholics worldwide.
Quoting from History, before 1958, white smoke was produced from burning ballots together with wet straw. However, this often resulted in gray smoke that was difficult to interpret. So since 1963, special chemicals have been added to produce clear smoke colors: potassium chlorate, lactose, and rosin for white smoke, while potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur for black smoke.
Along with the release of white smoke and the sound of bells, the senior cardinal will appear on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announce "Habemus Papam!" (We have a Pope!) Subsequently, the new Pope will greet the awaiting crowd and give his first apostolic blessing to them.
Tourism in Vatican City during the Conclave
Visitors are allowed to await the presence of the new Pope in St. Peter's Square, but the authorities in Rome and the Vatican will limit or close access to certain locations, such as the Sistine Chapel. During the conclave, visitors cannot enter the building for security reasons and to ensure secrecy.
Furthermore, according to ANSA, military signal jammers will be used to disrupt communications around the Sistine Chapel area. Additionally, there will be checkpoints at several points in St. Peter's Basilica. These measures reflect the authorities' efforts to ensure the integrity of the Pope's election process.
However, as documented in Boston, visitors can engage in various other activities while awaiting the newly elected Pope, just like in 2013, such as interacting with fellow visitors, viewing/purchasing souvenirs, and enjoying the frescoes on the ceiling of the Church of St. Ignatius.
More than Religious Tourism
Watching the conclave up close is an irreplaceable experience, especially for Catholics. It is not just a spiritual journey, but also an opportunity for visitors to witness the history of the Catholic Church firsthand.
The conclave is more than just the selection of a church leader. This event also unites faith, hope, and maintains the traditions of the Catholic Church, which have lasted for thousands of years.
MUHAMMAD RIFAN PRIANTO
Editor's Choice: Inside Sistine Chapel: 5 Key Facts About the Conclave's Iconic Venue
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