WATCH: Sistine Chapel doors close as conclave begins

Published on May 7, 2025

Title: The Sistine Chapel Doors Close as Conclave Begins - A Significant Moment in Church History

The master of ceremonies has called "extra omnes" -- ordering all those who are not cardinal electors to exit the Sistine Chapel prior to the start of the conclave. This momentous event marks a significant turning point in church history, as it signifies the beginning of an important process that will ultimately determine the future direction of the Catholic Church.

The conclave is a time-honored tradition within the Roman Catholic Church where cardinals gather to elect a new pope following the death or resignation of their predecessor. This event has been held numerous times throughout history, with each one being unique in its own way. The current conclave, however, holds particular importance due to several factors that make it stand out from previous ones.

Firstly, there is a sense of urgency surrounding this conclave as the church faces various challenges such as declining numbers of priests and nuns, sexual abuse scandals, and an aging population within its ranks. These issues have led many people to question whether the Catholic Church can adapt quickly enough to remain relevant in today's rapidly changing world.

Secondly, there is a growing sense of uncertainty among Catholics worldwide about who will be chosen as the next pope. With so much at stake, it is natural for speculation and debate to arise over potential candidates and their respective visions for the future of the church. This has led many people to closely follow news updates related to this conclave in hopes of gaining insight into what lies ahead.

From a historical perspective, this conclave also serves as a reminder of how far the Catholic Church has come since its humble beginnings more than two thousand years ago. Throughout history, it has faced numerous challenges and controversies but has always managed to emerge stronger than before. It is therefore interesting to see how these current issues will shape the future trajectory of this ancient institution.

In conclusion, while we may not know exactly who will be chosen as the next pope or what specific changes he might implement, one thing remains certain: the Sistine Chapel doors closing marks a significant moment in church history that deserves our attention and respect. As Catholics around the world eagerly await news from Rome, let us remember to keep faith in God's plan for His Church and trust that He will guide us through these challenging times.

Source: [Original Article](https://abcnews.go.com/International/video/sistine-chapel-doors-close-conclave-begins-121561987) #watch:

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