Papal Conclave Begins: What to Expect on Day One

VATICAN CITY - The highly anticipated papal conclave has commenced, marking the beginning of the process to elect a new Pope. All eyes are on Vatican City as cardinal electors gather to fulfill their sacred duty. The first day is expected to be largely ceremonial and procedural.

The day will begin with a Mass, followed by the cardinals moving into the Sistine Chapel. They will then take an oath of secrecy, promising to maintain confidentiality throughout the process. After the oath, non-cardinals will leave the chapel, and the doors will be sealed.

While voting may occur on the first day, it is not guaranteed. The initial ballots often serve as a gauge of the cardinals' preferences. The conclave will continue until a new Pope is elected, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. The world awaits the white smoke signaling the successful election of the next leader of the Catholic Church.