Thousands Fill St. Peter's Basilica As Start Of Conclave Nears

Thousands Fill St. Peter's Basilica As Start Of Conclave Nears

Posted: Updated:
Thousands filled St. Peter's Basilica as they await the start of Tuesday's papal conclave. Thousands filled St. Peter's Basilica as they await the start of Tuesday's papal conclave.
VATICAN CITY -

It was no ordinary Sunday in Vatican City, as thousands of people filled into St. Peter's Basilica to await the start of the papal conclave.

Beginning Tuesday, the 115 cardinals will go behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel and won't come out until they've elected a new pope.

The iconic chimney is now in place, where white smoke will inform the world that the cardinals have made their choice.

Black smoke indicates there is no candidate.

Though there is no clear front runner, 61 of the cardinal candidates are European, and before stepping down, Benedict XVI increased the number of Italian cardinals.

It could also be the first time a pope who is not European is elected.

There is also a chance the new pope could be an American. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, is considered a contender.

Conclaves in recent history have been shorter and many believe a new pope will be elected within about two days.

However, a vote covered in secrecy and backed by centuries of tradition can be hard to predict.

FOX 29's Iain Page is in Rome to bring you coverage of the selection of the new pope. We'll take you behind the scenes and cover all the angles of selecting a new pope on FOX 29 News.

  • Local News

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
    The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
    The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
    AP PHOTO
    Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
    Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:42 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:42:28 GMT
    Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
    Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices