Conclave Starts Under Strict Security Rules

On Monday afternoon, 115 cardinals sequestered themselves in the Sistine Chapel where they will vote in high secrecy for the new Pope. Immediately after they entered the conclave, which literally means they are locked up "with a key", and they will be cut off from the world.

Cardinals from six continents made their solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel at 1630 (1530 BST) to convene the new millennium's first conclave. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger recited a prayer at the palace before the cardinals chanted the Litany of the Saints while making the short walk to the chapel.

According to the Associated Press, the cardinals were led by altar servers carrying two long, lit white candles and a metal crucifix. The cardinals were then to take their oath of secrecy. Electors vow total secrecy and promise to oppose interference by secular authorities or any others. They are forbidden to make any "pact, agreement, promise or other commitment" to win votes for or against a candidate. They must not be swayed "by friendship or aversion," media suggestions, force, "fear or the pursuit of popularity."

The conclave will follow the centuries-old rules that were revised by John Paul II in 1996. No televisions, internet, newspapers, radios or cell phones will be allowed in the conclave. When all cardinals entered the conclave, after a cry of "Extra omnes!"- Latin for "Everyone out!", only the voting cardinals will remain in the chapel.

Starting from Tuesday, two ballots will be taken everyday until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority - 77 votes. According to the Associated Press, the daily schedule for the conclave is as follows:

0730 (0630 BST): Cardinals celebrate Mass in the hotel chapel.
0900 (0800 BST): Cardinals gather in Sistine Chapel for initial two rounds of balloting.
1200 (1100 BST): Approximate time of first smoke signal from Sistine Chapel. It will indicate whether a new pope has been chosen (white smoke) or no decision has been made (black smoke) in the first round of balloting. The smoke is from the burning of the secret ballots after each round of voting.
1600 (1500 BST): Cardinals return to the Sistine Chapel for two rounds of afternoon balloting.
1900 (1800 BST): Approximate time of smoke signal after second round of voting.

Statistics from the Associated Press show that 58 of the 115 cardinals are from Europe, 20 from Latin America, 14 from North America, 11 from Africa, 10 from Asia, and 2 from Oceania.