A puff of smoke will be the next news we get from the Vatican as cardinals decide on the next pope.
The 115 cardinals celebrated were deep in prayer together Tuesday during a two-hour final mass, the final one in public before sequestering in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope.
The holy men heard a final appeal for unity from the dean of the College of Cardinals during Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica.
In his homily, Cardinal Angelo Sodano said previous pontiffs worked tirelessly to promote peace and justice, a job church leaders will keep in mind during the voting process.
"Let us pray that the future pope may continue this unceasing work on the world level," Sodano said.
Earlier in the morning, the cardinals boarded buses to their sequestered living quarters in Vatican City, where they will stay during the conclave. Former Philadelphia Archbishop Justin Rigali was among those cardinals.
Pope Benedict XVI's resignation was the first in 600 years for the church.
The move exposed deep divisions on whether the next pontiff needs to be a manager to clean up Vatican bureaucracy or a pastor to inspire Catholics at a time of waning faith. Either way the job is not expected to be an easy one.
Cardinals are not obligated to vote on the first day but it's likely they will. It takes a two-thirds majority plus one. That's 77 votes to elect the next pontiff.
The first and only vote of the day would happen by around 8:30 p.m. in Rome, or this afternoon our time.
Monday, March 11 2013 11:38 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:38:14 GMT
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
Monday, March 11 2013 11:37 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:37:42 GMT
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
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