• Cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel for conclave to elect successor to Pope Francis.
• The conclave is the largest ever, featuring 133 cardinals from 70 countries.
• Voting begins with a single ballot; black or white smoke will indicate the outcome.
• Challenges for the new pope include church unity, declining membership, and adaptation to modernity.
• Women's rights activists protest the lack of female representation in the conclave.

The conclave to elect a new pope commenced with the closing of the heavy doors of the Sistine Chapel on May 7, marking the end of public participation and the beginning of a private assembly of 133 cardinals. The master of ceremonies, Diego Ravelli, declared "Extra omnes," symbolizing the start of this time-honored ritual aimed at selecting a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away last month after a 12-year papacy, according to Le Monde, India Times, SCMP, and TRT Global.

As the cardinals entered the chapel, they swore an oath of secrecy before proceeding with their mission, echoing a centuries-old tradition that emphasizes confidentiality and unity within the Church. This conclave, the largest in history, includes participants from approximately 70 nations, many new to one another, reflecting the increasing international nature of the Church, as noted by Le Monde and TRT Global.

The urgency surrounding the election is underscored by various pressing challenges facing the Church, including geopolitical controversies, dwindling attendance in Western congregations, and the ramifications of past scandals, which necessitate a leader who can navigate this complex landscape. The absence of a clear frontrunner among the candidates illustrates the diversity of opinions within the cardinals regarding the future direction of the Church, according to India Times and SCMP.

In response to the uncertainty, the cardinals have expressed varying views about the traits desirable in the new pope, with some advocating for continuity with Pope Francis' progressive ideals and others calling for a return to traditional values. The new pope must aim to unify a diverse congregation while also addressing significant issues such as the role of women in the Church and the need for financial stability, which have been raised repeatedly during pre-conclave discussions, as highlighted by India Times and TRT Global.

The conclave proceedings will culminate in the anticipation of smoke signals from the chapel's chimney, with black smoke indicating a failed vote and white smoke celebrating the election of a new pope. Today's initial ballot is expected to produce results by the early evening, marking a historic moment in the ongoing evolution of the Catholic Church, according to Le Monde and SCMP.

Meanwhile, outside the Conclave, there has been significant public interest, with thousands gathering at St. Peter’s Square, eager to witness history unfold. The atmosphere is lively, underscoring hopes for a transformative pope who can lead the Church into a new era. Concurrently, women’s rights activists have highlighted the exclusion of women from the conclave, emphasizing the need for inclusive dialogue regarding the Church's future, reflecting broader societal calls for gender equity, as mentioned in India Times and TRT Global.