The death of Pope Francis ends a significant era in Catholicism, and marks the beginning of one of the most revered and ritualistic transitions in the world: the selection of a new pontiff.
This is a centuries-old process that results in the selection of the pope, the highest seat in the Catholic Church. Here’s how it all works.
1. Sede vacante begins
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a solemn period known as sede vacante (the empty seat).
The pope’s official ring and seal are ceremonially broken to prevent further use. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, takes charge of the day-to-day administration of the church until a new pope is elected.
2. Cardinals called to Rome
Cardinals from more than 90 countries begin travelling to Rome roughly two weeks after the pope’s death.
These electors reflect the church’s growing diversity under Pope Francis’ leadership. Of the more than 250 cardinals, only 135 are eligible to vote (those under age 80).
3. Conclave prepares
The cardinal electors gather in the Vatican, staying at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse before they vote in the Sistine Chapel.
Before voting begins, the chapel is swept for electronic devices, ensuring total secrecy.
4. Conclave begins
The word ‘conclave’ comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning ‘with a key’, which refers to the cardinals being literally locked in for the duration of the vote.
Phones are confiscated, no media is allowed, and they are completely cut off from the outside world. This conclave will begin on 7 May.
5. Mass and the first vote
The first day begins with a solemn mass before the cardinals cast their first vote.
Each elector writes a name on a ballot marked eligo in summum pontificem (I elect as supreme pontiff), folds it, and places it in a chalice.
The ballots are counted and then burnt, with chemicals added to signal the outcome.
· Black smoke: No decision yet.
· White smoke: A pope has been chosen.
6. Daily voting rounds
Each day, two votes are held in the morning and two in the afternoon. A two-thirds majority (currently 90 votes) is required to elect a new pope.
After every seven votes, the cardinals pause for a day of reflection and prayer. If no pope is chosen after several days, discussions intensify.
7. A decision is made
Once a candidate receives the required majority, he is asked two historic questions:
Q1: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
Q2: “By what name shall you be called?”
If he accepts, the ballots are burnt with a white smoke-producing additive, and the world knows a pope has been chosen.
8. The Room of Tears
The new pope is led into the ‘Room of Tears’ where he dons his papal vestments (prepared in three sizes).
He emerges in white robes, a skullcap and red slippers, symbolising the beginning of his service to the church.
9. Habemus papam!
The senior cardinal deacon steps onto the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and delivers the iconic announcement:
Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam. (I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.)
The new pontiff then appears and delivers his first blessing to the world.
10. The papal inauguration mass
In the days following, the new pope celebrates a formal inauguration mass, marking the start of his papal ministry to the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
SOURCES: www.sky.news.com | www.theguardian.com
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