Radio Interview: Preparing for the Conclave

As the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope May 7, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty gets some inside information from Monsignor Richard Hilgartner, pastor of St. Joseph parish in Cockeysville, Md., and former executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Monsignor Hilgartner talks about what it was like to be in St. Peter’s Square to see the white smoke signaling the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 2005. He also provides some details on the process for voting in the Sistine Chapel.

To listen to the show, click play below.

More Radio

Radio Interview: From Russian prince to American frontier priest 

Radio Interview: Saying yes to God’s plan

Radio Interview: Why a world-class pianist gave up a promising career to become a priest

Radio Interview: Prolific Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman on wine, monasteries and the art of hospitality

Radio Interview: Pope Leo XIV’s biographer shares insights on the Augustinian who became pope 

Radio Interview: Learn more about Sagrada Familia Basilica 

Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media

 Print