Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535025
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 4 MAY 2025 2 BOOK Konklavi: A new book by Robert Aloisio FOLLOWING the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025—the day after Easter—and his funeral five days later, the College of Car- dinals began preparations for the Conclave that will elect the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. To mark the occasion Say- it Publications is publishing a new book titled Konklavi. The book will be distributed by BDL and available for purchase at the Preca Library in Blata l-Baj- da, among other outlets. Three years ago, Aloisio pub- lished a book on the last seven Popes. In this latest work, he turns his attention to the last seven conclaves held by the Catholic Church over near- ly eighty years of history. The aim of this book is to explore the mystery, symbolism, and secrecy that often surround the Conclave, while also addressing common questions and mis- conceptions associated with it. The Conclave begins next wednesday In Maltese we have a well- known saying: "A Pope dies, and they make another." (Im- ut Papa u jagħmlu ieħor) It's a humorous but true reflection of the continuity of the Church. Pope Francis himself acknowl- edged this reality in his book Hope (2025), writing: "The Church always has a fu- ture... The Church will move forward. In its history, I am nothing more than one step." Indeed, Francis was the 266th step in a journey that has last- ed over two thousand years. He added: "A curious thing: the Church has roots in the past, in the liv- ing Christ—in His Resurrec- tion—and roots in the future, in Christ's promise to remain with us until the end of time. The Church's future rests in that promise." The Conclave—the centu- ries-old and solemn process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new Pope following the death or resignation of a pon- tiff—remains one of the most significant events in the life of the Catholic Church and of global importance. While the Church no longer wields the political power it once did, its moral authority still resonates with millions, despite the many challenges and scandals it has faced. The Pope remains a rele- vant figure in today's world. The Cardinals have already gathered in Rome and are cur- rently residing at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, near St. Pe- ter's Basilica. In the days lead- ing up to the Conclave, the General Congregations—in- cluding Cardinals over the age of 80 who are not eligible to vote—have been meeting to discuss the state of the Church and the characteristics they seek in the next Pope. On April 28, two days after Pope Francis' funeral, the Cardinals set the date for the start of the Con- clave: Wednesday, May 7. Opening of the Conclave – 7 May 2025 At the time of Pope Francis' death, the College of Cardi- nals numbered 252 members, of whom 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote in the upcoming Conclave— exceeding the limit of 120 set by Universi Dominici Gregis (1996). Two Cardinals, howev- er, will not be attending due to health reasons. With 133 elec- tors expected to participate, a candidate will need a two- thirds majority—89 votes—to be elected. The Conclave will formally begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednes- day. The Cardinal electors will first gather in the Pauline Chapel, located in the First Loggia of the Apostolic Palace. From there, during the chant- ing of the Litany of the Saints, they will process into the Sistine Chapel. After singing the Veni Creator, they will take their solemn oath as required by tradition. How to obtain the Konklavi At the end of Conclave, Aloi- sio have included an extensive glossary of terms related to the Conclave and the Papacy, which I hope readers will find helpful. The book also features a section on the three Maltese Cardinals in Church history and reflections by St. George Preca on the Papacy. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to sup- port Kċina ta' Marta (Martha's Kitchen), a Church-led initia- tive offering assistance to peo- ple facing difficult times. Each week, around 400 individuals receive approximately 1,200 free meals prepared by 30 ded- icated volunteers at the Semi- nary in Tal-Virtù. An addition- al 20 volunteers deliver meals to the homes of those unable to leave their residence. Kċi- na ta' Marta is coordinated by LOOP Diakonija Parroċċi with the support of The Alfred Miz- zi Foundation. You can order "Konklavi" on- line at sayitmalta.com Copies will also be available at the Preca Library bookshop from next Wednesday. To reserve a copy, you may call them in ad- vance at 2122 2626. Photo: Vatican News