Vatican conclave set for Wednesday amid divisions over future direction of Church

Cardinals have gathered daily in Vatican City to prepare for choosing Pope Francis’s successor. They’re now secluded at Casa Santa Marta, cut off from media and under strict security measures. The conclave is divided—progressives, conservatives, and centrists—with no clear frontrunner emerging yet. Most of the 133 electors were appointed by Francis, making this the most diverse and unpredictable conclave ever. Some candidates, like Filipino Cardinal Tagle, represent Francis’s progressive legacy and global outreach. However, the diversity may hinder consensus, with divisions echoing wider political polarisation. As they enter the Sistine Chapel, cardinals seek unity and guidance from the Holy Spirit in making their choice. Al Jazeera’s Hoda Abdel-Hamid reports from the Vatican City. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Vatican #VaticanCity #PopeFrancis #VaticanConclave #CatholicChurch #Rome #NextPope #PapalElection #CasaSantaMarta #AlJazeeraEnglish