Cardinal Vitali lifts veil on Vatican’s secretive conclave process

DDM News

In a rare and personal revelation, Cardinal Lorenzo Vitali has shared insights into the papal conclave process.

The 73-year-old Italian cardinal gave a televised interview to Italy’s national broadcaster, RAI, detailing the spiritual experience.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that Vitali described the conclave as solemn, intense, and spiritually heavy for each elector.

He explained that the process is not political, but rather a divine search for spiritual leadership.

“We are not simply choosing a man,” he said during the interview broadcast across Italy.

“We are asking the Holy Spirit to reveal who is best suited to carry the Petrine ministry now.”

The most recent conclave took place in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.

It brought together 133 cardinal electors from around the world under strict Vatican seclusion.

They were housed within the Sistine Chapel, cut off entirely from outside communication.

This tradition ensures total secrecy until a two-thirds majority elects a new pope.

Vitali shared that each day began with Mass and a period of silent reflection.

This was followed by voting sessions marked by deep reverence and solemnity.

“There is no politics as some might think,” he said firmly.

“There is prayer, consultation, and a profound sense of duty among all present.”

He said the mood inside the Sistine Chapel was filled with seriousness and spiritual focus.

The climax came when white smoke emerged, signaling a decision had been reached.

“When the final ballot was read and the result became clear, a holy silence fell over the room,” Vitali said.

“Some wept quietly, others clasped hands. It was a moment of unity beyond words.”

The elected pope, Leo XIV, became the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church following the historic vote.

Cardinal Vitali could not share specific voting details due to the oath of secrecy.

However, his reflections offered a rare and human insight into the ancient Church tradition.

He described casting his vote as a deeply humbling moment.

“You look at the name on the slip of paper,” he said.

“And you realize your hand is shaping global history.”

This was the second conclave in which Cardinal Vitali participated.

He was also present at the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.

That earlier conclave followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first pontiff in centuries to step down.

Vitali observed that while traditions remain unchanged, each conclave feels different.

This difference is due to the changing needs of the Church over time.

“No two conclaves are alike,” he emphasized during the interview.

“The needs of the Church evolve, and so does the nature of our discernment.”

Vitali’s personal account has struck a chord with Catholics around the world.

His interview offered a rare glimpse into a process normally hidden from public view.

The papal conclave, often seen as mysterious, is rooted in faith and prayerful reflection.

It remains one of the most sacred rituals in the Roman Catholic Church.

The cardinal’s insights reminded the world of the weight behind each prayerful decision.

Kindly share!!

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook