The big day has arrived. Today at 4.30 pm Italy time, its gates Sistine hats The 133 Cardinal Electors will be closed and they will begin to vote for the 267th Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. After, of course, the well -known Latin phrase “extra omnes”, that is, “outside all”, is first heard, and there is the absolute certainty that the cardinals are completely isolated, without being able to use electronic devices to communicate with the rest of the world.

This morning, all of them participated in St. Peter in the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” function in favor of the election of the new Pope.

Dominant names for succession

According to what they leaked in the past few days, the Italian cardinal and for twelve years Prime Minister of the Vatican Pietro Parolin remains. He was a close associate of Francis, but is considered to be able to include in the administration of the Catholic Church and clergy, who are not a purely progressive direction.

At the same time, a high chance of election, among other things, are believed to be gathered by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Pierbatist Pizzabala And the Philippine Cardinal Luis Tagle. Modest, with great experience in interfaith dialogue the first, most loyal to the Argentinean line Modifers The second.

But all of this could be overthrown during Conclavium, as it even a well -known Italian saying reminds us that “anyone who enters Sistine as a favorite to be elected to the Pope, eventually comes out of the room as a mere cardinal”.

Many wonder how the process of electing the next Holy Father of the Catholics will take. A rational provision, given the previous Conclavia, would be two to three days. But in this case, everything will depend on how quickly the necessary convergence will be achieved.

The European cardinals are more, that is, 53, but they are alleged to be quite divided. The Asians are more compassionate, but they do not exceed 23. And the conservatives, about 20, are not able to elect modifice, but may offer their support to one of the “favorite”.

It takes a little patience and belief that, as the Church of Rome says, the Holy Spirit will enlighten the electors to make the wiser and more useful choice.