The 133 cardinal electors are now cut off from the world to elect the new pope. Three years ago, we met with a cardinal who participated in the 2013 conclave. He spoke about how he experienced this historic event from within. Here is his testimony.
An anonymous cardinal shares with great simplicity his experience of the 2013 conclave, giving us an idea of what the cardinals are doing right now.
What struck me was the atmosphere of prayer that prevailed during the conclave. In the Santa Marta residence, where we were all staying, the chapel was full. When you arrive at a conclave, you know that you’re merely a poor man. There are confessors, but we can also go to confession with each other. I knocked on the door opposite my room to ask one of my brothers to hear my confession.
I think that each one, as a baptized man, asks for forgiveness for his sins. In our prayers, we say to the Lord: “This act that I must do, I will try to do as a Christian.” I didn't talk about it with others, but I don't think I was the only Christian!
During the conclave, the atmosphere is simple: We meet up with friends, we eat, we pray, and we sleep ... if we can! We can't go for walks in the Vatican gardens. We can't use our cell phones. We’re allowed to keep our computers, but only for word processing. So we can write notes. But we have no contact with the outside world.
It wasn't too much of a hardship: It didn't last long! We were actually glad it was over the next evening, because those nights aren't easy. You don't sleep well. It's a huge responsibility and you know the whole world is waiting for you. At the dinner after the election, we were happy!
