As the Vatican prepares for one of its most secretive and sacred traditions—the election of a new Pope—an unexpected controversy has thrown the process into the spotlight.
And it reads more like the plot of a political thriller than a religious ritual.
A Cardinal Left in the Dark?
Cardinal John Njue of Kenya, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and Archbishop of Nairobi, has caused a stir after claiming he never received an invitation to the conclave.
At 79 years old, he’s still eligible to vote in the papal election, which begins today in the Sistine Chapel.
Yet, in a surprise interview with Kenya’s Daily Nation, Njue expressed his confusion and concern over being left out.
“Those who go there for the election are usually sent official invites,” he said.
“That has not happened on my part. I don’t know why I’ve been excluded.”
He also dismissed the idea that health issues were the reason behind his absence, saying, “If I’m not there, it’s not because I am in poor health.”
Italian Media Swarm as Mystery Deepens
It didn’t take long for Italian news outlets to latch onto the story, calling it a “mystery” and full of “intrigue.”
The timing only added fuel to the fire, as Cardinal Njue had recently been cleared to vote after the Vatican quietly revised his birth year—from 1944 to 1946—making him eligible under the rule that cardinals must be under 80.
Another African cardinal, Philippe Quedraogo, also had his birth year revised, from January 1945 to December 1945—just barely slipping under the age limit.
Vatican and Nairobi Diocese Tell a Different Story
Adding to the confusion, the Archdiocese of Nairobi released a statement that seemed to contradict Njue’s claims.
They said he wouldn’t be attending the conclave because of health issues and asked the public to pray for his well-being.
The Vatican also responded, maintaining that Njue was invited but declined the invitation for medical reasons.
So now the question becomes: who’s telling the truth?
As one commentator put it, “It’s an intriguing situation.
The cardinal says he isn’t ill. The Vatican says he is. So who’s really pulling the strings here?”
The Sacred Ritual Begins in the Sistine Chapel
Despite the drama, the conclave is moving forward. At 10 a.m. local time, the 133 eligible cardinals attended a special mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
From there, they will enter the Sistine Chapel for the first vote on who should succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last month at the age of 88.
Once inside, the doors will be closed and the famous phrase “Extra omnes” will be shouted—Latin for “everyone out”—marking the start of the sacred proceedings.
Anyone not eligible must leave immediately.
Locked Away with Only the Holy Spirit as Guide
From now on, the cardinals will be completely cut off from the outside world.
They’re staying at the Santa Marta guesthouse within the Vatican and have no access to phones, internet, or any electronic communication.
Even the Sistine Chapel has been checked for listening devices, and from 3 p.m. today, phone signals will be jammed to ensure complete secrecy.
The only voices heard inside will be those of the cardinals—and, they believe, the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Smoke Signals and Speculation
The first round of voting takes place tonight. If no one secures the required two-thirds majority, black smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
If a new Pope is chosen, white smoke will signal the news to the world.
So far, Italian media are betting that no decision will come on the first day, but some believe we could see white smoke as early as Thursday night.
How the Voting Works
Cardinals vote four times a day—two in the morning, two in the afternoon.
The ballot papers are burned after each round, and chemicals are added to produce either white or black smoke.
Between sessions, the cardinals return to Santa Marta for meals. Wine is served, but no spirits.
As for who’s likely to win? Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin is said to be the frontrunner, with support from around 50 cardinals.
A Tradition Steeped in History
The process of selecting a Pope has a long and fascinating history.
The last two conclaves—to elect Pope Francis and Pope Benedict—each lasted just two days.
But that hasn’t always been the case. The shortest conclave on record lasted just ten hours. The longest? Nearly three years, way back in 1294.
As the world watches and waits, one thing is clear: the Vatican is never short on mystery, tradition, and the occasional scandal.