<h1>Cardinals Gather to Elect New Pope, Seeking Spiritual Leadership and Unity in Crucial Papal Succession Process</h1> A conclave of 133 cardinals from 70 countries began the process of selecting a new pope at the Vatican. The dean of the College of Cardinals urged voters to prioritize unity and choose a leader who can awaken consciences. Cardinals will be sequestered and conduct secret voting in the Sistine Chapel, seeking a two-thirds majority to elect the 267th pope, with the process expected to involve multiple ballots and careful deliberation.