Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21 and his funeral five days later, the College of Cardinals began preparations for the conclave that will elect the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
To mark this historic occasion, a new book titled Konklavi by Robert Aloisio is being published by Sayit Publications. The book will be distributed by BDL and will be available for purchase at Preca Library in Blata l-Bajda, among other outlets.
Three years ago, Aloisio published a book on the last seven popes. In this latest work, he turns his attention to the last seven conclaves held by the Catholic Church over nearly 80 years of history.
The aim of the book is to explore the mystery, symbolism and secrecy that often surround conclaves, while also addressing common questions and misconceptions.
The conclave begins on Wednesday
The Maltese saying Imut papa jilħaq ieħor (A pope dies and another one is elected) may be deemed humorous but is a true reflection of the continuity of the Church.
Pope Francis himself acknowledged this reality in his book Hope (2025), writing: “The Church
always has a future… The Church will move forward. In its history, I am nothing more than one step.”
Indeed, Francis was the 266th step in a journey that has lasted over 2,000 years.
He added: “A curious thing: the Church has roots in the past, in the living Christ − in his resurrection − and roots in the future, in Christ’s promise to remain with us until the end of time. The Church’s future rests in that promise.”
The conclave − the centuries-old and solemn process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope following the death or resignation of a pontiff − remains one of the most significant events in the life of the Catholic Church and is of global importance.
While the Church no longer wields the political power it once did, its moral authority still resonates with millions, despite the many challenges and scandals it has faced. The pope remains a relevant figure in today’s world.
The cardinals have already gathered in Rome and are currently residing at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, near St Peter’s Basilica. In the days leading to the conclave, the general congregations − including cardinals over the age of 80 who are not eligible to vote − have been meeting to discuss the state of the Church and the characteristics they seek in the next pope.
On April 28, two days after Francis’s funeral, the cardinals set the date for the start of the conclave: May 7.
135 cardinals to vote
At the time of Francis’s death, the College of Cardinals numbered 252 members, of whom 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave − exceeding the limit of 120 set by Universi Dominici Gregis (1996).
Two cardinals will not be attending due to health reasons. With 133 electors expected to participate, a candidate will need a two-thirds majority − 89 votes − to be elected.
The conclave will formally begin at 4.30pm on Wednesday. The cardinal electors will first gather in the Pauline chapel, located in the First Loggia of the Apostolic Palace. From there, during the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, they will proceed to the Sistine Chapel. After singing the Veni Creator, they will take their solemn oath as required by tradition.
Proceeds to support Il-Kċina ta’ Marta
At the end of Konklavi there is an extensive glossary of terms related to the conclave and the papacy. The book also features a section on the three Maltese cardinals in Church history and reflections by St George Preca on the papacy.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support Il-Kċina ta’ Marta (Martha’s Kitchen), a Church-led initiative offering assistance to people facing difficult times.
Each week, around 400 individuals receive approximately 1,200 free meals prepared by 30 dedicated volunteers at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù.
An additional 20 volunteers deliver meals to the homes of those unable to leave their
residence.
Il-Kċina ta’ Marta is coordinated by LOOP Diakonija Parroċċi with the support of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation.
Konklavi may be ordered online at sayitmalta.com. Copies will also be available at the Preca
Library bookshop from Wednesday. To reserve a copy, call 2122 2626.
