False Claim of Cardinal Sarah’s Papal Election Circulates Online
A manipulated image depicting Cardinal Robert Sarah in papal attire has been falsely circulating on social media platforms, accompanied by claims that he has been elected as the new pope. This assertion is unequivocally false. The conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2024, is scheduled to commence on May 7, 2024. Until then, the See of Rome remains vacant, as indicated by the "Sede Vacante" emblem displayed on the Holy See’s official website.
Cardinal Sarah, a 79-year-old retired prelate from Guinea, is a prominent figure within the conservative wing of the Catholic Church and has been frequently mentioned as a potential papal candidate, or "papabile." While he is among the 133 cardinal-electors eligible to participate in the conclave, the election process has not yet begun. The dissemination of this fabricated image and accompanying claims demonstrates a premature and inaccurate declaration of a papal election.
The papal conclave, a highly significant event for the global Catholic community, unfolds within the confines of the Sistine Chapel. Following a Mass on the morning of May 7, the cardinals will process into the chapel, take their oaths, and commence the voting process. Four rounds of voting, known as scrutinies, are conducted each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Historically, conclaves have typically lasted two to three days. The election process is shrouded in secrecy, with the outcome announced publicly only after a new pope has been chosen.
Upon the election of a new pope, the senior cardinal-deacon, known as the "proto-deacon," proclaims the Latin phrase "Habemus Papam" ("We have a Pope") from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. In this conclave, that role will be fulfilled by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France. The newly elected pope then appears on the loggia, attired in papal vestments, to deliver a blessing to the world. Contrary to the depiction in the fabricated image, the new pope will not be photographed standing in St. Peter’s Square.
The false claim surrounding Cardinal Sarah’s alleged election underscores the prevalence of misinformation in the digital age, particularly during significant events that capture global attention. Social media users are urged to exercise caution and verify information from reliable sources before sharing or accepting claims as factual. The official channels of the Holy See remain the authoritative source for updates regarding the papal conclave and the election of the new pope.
The election of a new pope is a momentous occasion for the Catholic Church, impacting millions of followers worldwide. It is a process steeped in tradition and conducted with utmost secrecy, ensuring the integrity and solemnity of the selection. The dissemination of misinformation surrounding this event serves only to create confusion and undermine the significance of the process. As the conclave approaches, the faithful await the outcome with anticipation, while responsible media outlets and individuals strive to disseminate accurate and verified information.