Cardinals gather at Vatican for final mass ahead of Papal conclave

Cardinals from across the globe assembled at St. Peter's Basilica today for a solemn mass ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope. The Mass "Pro Eligendo Papa," led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, marks the final public rite before the cardinals are sequestered to begin the secretive voting process.

This centuries-old tradition signals the Church's readiness to select a new spiritual leader following Pope Francis's departure. As the world watches, the conclave will proceed behind closed doors within the Sistine Chapel, where the next pope will be chosen.