**Papal Cardinal Offers Tips for Conclave Participants**

Fri Jul 18 2025 16:44:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Papal Cardinal Offers Tips for Conclave Participants**

**Expert Guidance on Preparing for the Papal Election Process**


**Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan shares insights for cardinals attending their first conclave, highlighting the importance of patience and preparation.**

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan from New York is gearing up for the papal conclave and has some invaluable advice for those participating for the first time. In a recent interview held Tuesday, as cardinals began packing for their stay at Casa Santa Marta— the Vatican City guesthouse— Cardinal Dolan emphasized the importance of bringing a book.

“Bring a book,” he recommended, underscoring that the conclave can often be a lengthy and silent process. Cardinal Dolan reflected on his own experiences during the conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013, noting the solemnity and quiet that envelops the gathering of cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

Once assembled, all cardinal electors take a solemn oath of secrecy and vote using anonymous ballots. The voting continues until a candidate receives two-thirds of the votes, which could take repeated rounds, sometimes spanning hours. This means that cardinals must find ways to pass the time while maintaining their focus and reverence for the proceedings.

“It’s not the kind of event where you’re at the edge of your seat,” Cardinal Dolan noted, hinting at the traditional and ritualistic nature of this democratic process within the Church. To pass the time, he mentioned bringing along a biography of Michelangelo, an artist whose works adorn the Sistine Chapel and serve as a poignant reminder of the Church’s rich history.

As the cardinals prepare for the conclave, Dolan's light-hearted yet practical tips reflect the blending of tradition, artistry, and the necessary patience required during this critical moment for the Catholic Church.

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