The papal conclave: sacred silence

Metro Manila, Philippines - As the Catholic Church leadership enters a transition after the death of Pope Francis, cardinals from around the world gather at the Vatican to elect a new leader through a centuries-old process known as the conclave - a ritual marked by intense secrecy, prayer, and reflection.

Fr. Greg Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, explained the closed-door selection of the new pontiff.

“It's not simply a political exercise kung baga na mag-voting. In fact, quite the contrary. Ito ay isang spiritual activity, liturgical activity,” said Gaston.

[Translation: It’s not simply a political exercise like voting. In fact, it's quite the contrary. It is a spiritual and liturgical activity]

“Yung suot nila na nakapula, actually ano yan? Yan din ang suot pag nagdarasal sila sa simbahan. So yung suot nila, yung liturgical clothing, kasi panay dasal, dasal. And then, they also want na yung makakaalam talaga ng sinong maging bagong pope, ang magde-decide is the Holy Spirit.”

[Translation: The red vestments they wear are the same ones they use when they pray in church. They wear liturgical clothing because they are constantly in prayer. They want the Holy Spirit to be the one to decide who the next pope will be.]

In the days leading up to the conclave, cardinals hold general congregations, closed-door meetings, where they discuss the current state of the Church and the world, the challenges ahead, and the qualities needed in the next pope.

“Ito mga araw na tinatawag na general congregations… at ano yung magiging challenges para sa bagong pope and therefore anong characteristics ng bagong pope,” he said.

[Translation: These days are what we call general congregations… where they talk about the challenges facing the new pope and the qualities he must possess.]

These discussions remain confidential to avoid misinterpretation or undue public pressure.

To maintain focus and avoid external influence, cardinals are completely cut off from the outside world during the conclave.

"They really separate themselves from the world. Part of the preparations is scanning to ensure there are no listening devices,” said Gaston.

Fr. Gaston said windows in their rooms are sealed, and any form of electronic communication is strictly prohibited.

In a separate interview with NewsWatch Plus Fr. Jerome Secillano, spokesperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the conclave is a sacred event “shrouded in mystery and secrecy.”

“Hindi purely election pero ito ay isang spiritual activity that is sacred,” he said.

[Translation: It’s not purely an election but a sacred spiritual activity.]

He explained that reforms were introduced after past conclaves encountered delays and outside interference.

“There was an election before kung saan ay natagalan… So nagkaroon ng mga reforma hanggang sa pumabot na nga dito sa kasalukuyang dokumento… Universi Dominici Gregis. Ayaw nila na magkaroon ng outside interference… para yung free will na desisyon ng mga cardinal electors ay mapapanatili,” he said.

[Translation: There was a past election that was delayed… so reforms were made until we arrived at the current document… Universi Dominici Gregis. They do not want any outside interference… so that the free will of the cardinal electors is preserved]

Violating the secrecy of the conclave carries serious consequences.

“Kapag may nag-violate… ang posible na ipataw sa kanila na sanction ay latae sententiae excommunication,” said Secillano.

[Translation: If someone violates [the rules]… they may face a sanction of excommunication without need for judicial decree or formal pronouncement.]

Secillano clarified that cardinals are prohibited from campaigning, even for themselves.

"This is not a time when anyone is ahead of the others… I hope the public respects that,” he said.