Sunday marked the final day of mourning for Pope Francis as church leaders look ahead to this week's conclave and selection of a new pope.

Rome

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The official mourning period for Pope Francis has concluded, marking the next phase for the Vatican as it prepares for the election of a new pope. The Sistine Chapel is set up for the conclave, with a chimney installed to signal the voting outcome: black smoke for ongoing discussions and white smoke for a decision. 

One hundred thirty-three Cardinals from around the world will gather for this secretive process. Cardinal Anders Arborelius from Sweden notes a friendly atmosphere, contrasting with media portrayals of division among Cardinals. Public differences of opinion exist, evidenced by German Cardinal Gerhard Muller's critique of Pope Francis' stance on issues like gay marriage.

The conclave, beginning soon, reflects these diverse views among Cardinals, which may impact the duration of the election process. Historically, the process has varied from nearly three years in the 13th century to just a few days in modern times.



Official mourning period for Pope Francis comes to an end

It's been called holy smoke. Massimiliano De Sanctis is testing the system for when Cardinals elect the heir to St. Peter. If they release black smoke, the voting continues. White, when we have a Pope. Vatican firefighters have just installed the chimney and the furnace has been set up inside the Sistine Chapel. That secretive process begins Wednesday, beckoning 133 Cardinal electors from across the world. Some are predicted to align with Pope Francis, like newly minted Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, who's meeting many of his peers for the first time. I must say I'm surprised that it's so peaceful and so friendly atmosphere. Oh really? Yes. You're surprised? Well, if you read the papers, you get the idea that there are two parties fighting for power. Others have been openly critical of Pope Francis, like German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, a staunch defender of traditional Catholic doctrine. Gay marriage is not possible, it's absolutely against the word of God. And that means blessing gay marriages as well? We cannot blessing in the sense of justifying of a behavior or of a lifestyle which is against the reason God himself gave. Francis was often accused of being ambiguous on this topic, so are you looking for more clarity in the next Pope? Yeah, I think not only me, but all the Catholics in the world. And that diversity in Cardinals could lead to a long conclave. The longest in history, in the nearby city of Viterbo, back in the 13th century took nearly three years. Locals became so frustrated, Jerica, that they took the roof off the building where the Cardinals were staying. However, in recent times, conclaves have lasted just days.

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Council of the City of Sydney

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