As the 2025 papal conclave approaches, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan emphasizes the importance of patience and preparation among the electors.
Papal Conclave Insights: Cardinal Dolan Prepares for Vote
Papal Conclave Insights: Cardinal Dolan Prepares for Vote
New York Cardinal Shares Tips and Reflections for Upcoming Papal Election
Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York is gearing up for the upcoming papal conclave, offering advice to fellow cardinals, particularly the newcomers to the process. In a recent interview, Dolan suggested that those attending should "bring a book," reflecting on the often lengthy and quiet nature of the conclave, where cardinals gather to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.
On the eve of their transition to Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican’s guesthouse for conclave participants, Dolan highlighted that the conclave's atmosphere is predominantly silent, filled with anticipation rather than spectacle. “I do,” he mentioned, referring to his own practice of bringing reading material because, during the voting sessions, there can be great stretches of time where cardinals simply wait and reflect.
The conclave takes place in the iconic Sistine Chapel, where all cardinal electors are bound by a secrecy oath and cast their votes in a meticulous secret ballot. The voting process involves multiple rounds until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority—an event that can lead to hours of awaiting results. Dolan reminisced about his experience during the decision-making event that led to the election of Pope Francis in 2013, illustrating that the thrilling aspect does not derive from continuous action but rather from the solitude of deliberation.
As part of his personal preparations, Dolan is bringing a biography of Michelangelo, which he finds fitting given their surrounding environment filled with his remarkable artwork, the most notable being “The Last Judgment,” adorning the altar wall of the chapel where critical decisions will unfold.
On the eve of their transition to Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican’s guesthouse for conclave participants, Dolan highlighted that the conclave's atmosphere is predominantly silent, filled with anticipation rather than spectacle. “I do,” he mentioned, referring to his own practice of bringing reading material because, during the voting sessions, there can be great stretches of time where cardinals simply wait and reflect.
The conclave takes place in the iconic Sistine Chapel, where all cardinal electors are bound by a secrecy oath and cast their votes in a meticulous secret ballot. The voting process involves multiple rounds until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority—an event that can lead to hours of awaiting results. Dolan reminisced about his experience during the decision-making event that led to the election of Pope Francis in 2013, illustrating that the thrilling aspect does not derive from continuous action but rather from the solitude of deliberation.
As part of his personal preparations, Dolan is bringing a biography of Michelangelo, which he finds fitting given their surrounding environment filled with his remarkable artwork, the most notable being “The Last Judgment,” adorning the altar wall of the chapel where critical decisions will unfold.
