08.05.2025 15:30
The process of selecting the leader of the Catholic Church is based on a long-standing tradition and a strict understanding of confidentiality. In the event of a Pope's death or resignation, the responsibility of choosing a new leader falls to the College of Cardinals. This process takes place during a meeting known as the Papal Conclave. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
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The process of electing the leader of over a billion Catholics is rooted in a rich history, tradition, and strict confidentiality. When a Pope dies or resigns, the responsibility of selecting a new leader falls to the College of Cardinals, who gather in a serious meeting known as the Papal Conclave.
The term "Conclave" comes from the Latin phrase "cum clave," meaning "locked with a key"; this refers to the historical practice of keeping the cardinal electors locked away from the outside world to prevent external influences and expedite the decision. Today, the Conclave takes place within the Vatican, primarily in the Sistine Chapel.
Who Can Vote?
Only cardinals who are under 80 years old at the moment the papal office becomes vacant have the right to vote. These individuals, known as cardinal electors, represent various regions of the world, offering different perspectives on the challenges and future of the global Catholic Church. All cardinal electors are expected to participate in the Conclave unless prevented by health or other serious reasons.
Seclusion and Consultation Process
After preliminary meetings, the cardinals officially enter the Conclave. One significant moment is the command "Extra omnes!" (Everyone out!); after this command, everyone not involved in the election leaves the Sistine Chapel and surrounding areas, which are then sealed. The cardinals take a solemn oath of confidentiality, promising not to disclose anything that happens within the Conclave. During this time, communication with the outside world is strictly prohibited for the cardinals. The days within the Conclave are spent in prayer, reflection, and numerous rounds of voting.
Voting Process
Voting is conducted by secret ballot. Typically, one round of voting occurs on the first day. In the following days, usually four rounds of voting are held each day – two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal elector writes the name of their chosen candidate on the ballot. The ballots are then collected, counted, and verified by designated cardinals.
Two-Thirds Majority and Smoke Signals
For a candidate to be elected Pope, they must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes from the current cardinal electors. This rule has been one of the cornerstones of papal elections for centuries.
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove connected to a chimney visible from St. Peter's Square. The color of the smoke indicates the result:
Black Smoke: If no candidate achieves the necessary two-thirds majority, chemicals are added to the burned ballots to produce black smoke; this indicates that a Pope has not yet been elected.
White Smoke: When a candidate successfully receives the necessary votes and accepts the election, the ballots are burned in a way that produces white smoke. The ringing of the bells of St. Peter's Basilica usually accompanies the white smoke, providing a clear signal to the waiting crowd.
Acceptance and Announcement
When a cardinal obtains the two-thirds majority, the Dean of the College of Cardinals officially asks, "Do you accept your election to the Supreme Pontificate?" If they accept, they are then asked which papal name they wish to take. From that moment on, they officially become the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The newly elected Pope then dons the papal robes. Shortly thereafter, the senior cardinal deacon steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to make the historic announcement to the world: "Habemus Papam!" (We have a Pope!) announcing the name of the new Pope and the papal name they have chosen. The new Pope then typically gives the first "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World) blessing.
This entire process is a profound spiritual and logistical activity designed to determine the next leader according to deep tradition and laws.
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