Ahead of the conclave to choose ‘s successor, cardinals convened at St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday for a concluding Mass.

This Mass precedes the private proceedings to select the next head of the .

Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, entreated that the 133 cardinals be granted wisdom, sound judgment, and insight before they enter the Sistine Chapel to begin their selection of the next pope.

The cardinals, representing 70 nations, will be cut off from the outside world. Their cellphones will be confiscated, and the Vatican’s airwaves will be blocked to prevent any communication until a new pontiff is chosen.

Francis appointed 108 of the 133 cardinals, choosing individuals reflecting ‘s values from nations such as Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga, which had never previously had a cardinal.

Many cardinals had not previously met, requiring more time to become acquainted, raising questions about how long it might take for a candidate to secure the necessary two-thirds majority to become the 267th pope.

“Let’s wait and see, a bit of patience, let’s wait and see,” said Cardinal Mario Zenari, the Vatican’s envoy to Syria, upon arriving for the final day of discussions before the vote.