VATICAN CITY -
The 115 voting
cardinals could elect a new pope as early as Tuesday.
Bells will ring and white smoke will
flow from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel when one cardinal receives at least
77 votes.
The cardinals continue pre-conclave
discussions on Saturday and Monday. They're taking Sunday off to celebrate Mass
at churches across Rome.
After the cardinal electors enter the
Sistine Chapel they're called up to place their hand on a Bible and confirm
their vow of secrecy. Then they pray and vote in silence.
This building, Domus Santa Marta, is
where the cardinals will stay during the conclave. It has its own chapel.
Security teams have swept all of the rooms for hidden microphones, and
installed anti-bugging devices. The televisions and telephones have been turned
off. And there is no internet service. Some rooms are larger, and nicer than
others. All are assigned by lottery.
CBS News Vatican consultant, Monsignor
Anthony Figueiredo, says during the conclave secret discussions continue inside
the Santa Marta dining room.
One of the questions facing the
cardinals is what kind of leader should guide the Church as it tries to rebuild
public trust after child sex abuse controversies.
The
conclave to elect the last Pope, Benedict the 16th lasted 2 days.
