How Long Could the Conclave Process Take? (Morning Air)

This Morning Air podcast clip features Glen Lewerenz speaking with Fr. Scott Pogatchnik from Minnesota about the Conclave process. 🙏     ⏳ The Waiting Game: Not Rushed, Not Random   Fr. Scott reminds us that there’s a period of mourning first, as the Church honors and grieves the late Pope Francis. Only after that do things move into gear.   The Conclave typically begins 10-15 days after a Pope’s death, but the exact timing is still not determined.     🌍 It’s a Small (and Getting Bigger) Church After All   Did you know that at past Conclaves like in 2005 (Benedict) and 2013 (Francis), around 48-50 countries were represented? 👉 This time...there's around 94 countries. Many of these cardinals don’t know each other yet, which is kind of a big deal when you're discerning the next successor of Peter.    It might take more ballots and a bit more time as they prayerfully get to know each other.      Ballots, Smoke, and the Holy Spirit   Fr. Scott explains how the actual voting works:   -About 138 cardinals are eligible to vote (under age 80).   They need a two-thirds majority to elect the next Pope.   And yes, we’re still watching for the smoke signals!      🔐 “Conclave” literally means “with key”, because once the cardinals go in, they're locked in. No phones or newspapers allowed. 🚫📱   🙏 Our Role: Pray, Pray, Pray!   Fr. Scott hits us with the heart of it all:   “This is led by the Holy Spirit... and that’s why we really do need to pray.”   As the Cardinals gather and discern, we’re invited to pray for the repose of the late Pope, and for the wisdom, freedom, and faith of those selecting his successor.     The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.