VIDEO: Cardinals Gather at St. Peter’s Basilica for Final Mass Ahead of Papal Conclave

Cardinals from around the world have begun arriving at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City for a final mass before the highly anticipated papal conclave — the sacred and secretive process to elect a new pope.

This mass, known as Pro Eligendo Pontifice (“For the Election of the Roman Pontiff”), serves both as a solemn farewell to the late Pope Francis and a spiritual preparation for the monumental task ahead. Draped in crimson robes symbolizing their readiness to sacrifice for the Church, the cardinals are expected to seek divine guidance as they prepare to cast ballots in one of the oldest traditions in Christendom.

Following the mass, the cardinals will enter into conclave — Latin for "with key" — signaling their seclusion in the Sistine Chapel, where no outside communication is allowed until a new pope is chosen.

The process is rich with symbolism and tradition, but the world is watching with interest as the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal crossroads.