PROCESS OF SELECTING A NEW POPE

BY SNN.BZ STAFF

NOTE: The process of selecting a new pope, known as a papal conclave, is a centuries-old tradition governed by strict protocols within the Catholic Church. Following the death of Pope Francis, as reported, the Vatican will follow a series of well-defined steps to ensure the continuity of leadership. Below is a concise yet comprehensive explanation of how a new pope is chosen and the steps the Vatican will take until a new pope is elected.

LIVE BROADCAST

Overview of the Papal Election Process

The election of a new pope is the responsibility of the College of Cardinals, specifically those under the age of 80, who gather in a conclave to select the successor to the Bishop of Rome. The process is guided by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (1996, last amended in 2013), which outlines the rules and procedures. The goal is to ensure a prayerful, secure, and independent election free from external influence.

Steps Following the Death of a Pope

1. Confirmation of the Pope’s Death
   
   • Upon the death of Pope Francis (reportedly at 7:35 AM on April 21, 2025), the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, based on the announcement) officially confirms the death. This involves a traditional ritual where the Camerlengo calls the pope’s baptismal name three times to verify no response.
   • The pope’s death is announced to the world, as occurred via the Vatican’s TV channel. The Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal are destroyed to prevent misuse.
     
2. Period of Sede Vacante (Vacant See)
   
   • The period between the pope’s death and the election of a new pope is called Sede Vacante. During this time, the Vatican’s ordinary operations are limited, and major decisions are deferred.
   • The Camerlengo assumes temporary administration of the Holy See, managing daily affairs and preparing for the conclave. The College of Cardinals collectively oversees broader Church governance.
     
3. Preparations for the Conclave
   
   • Notification of Cardinals: All eligible cardinals (those under 80, known as cardinal electors) are summoned to Rome. As of April 2025, there are approximately 120–130 eligible electors, though the exact number depends on recent appointments and cardinals aging out.
   • General Congregations: Before the conclave, cardinals meet in daily General Congregations to discuss the state of the Church, plan the conclave, and address logistical matters (e.g., funeral arrangements for the deceased pope). These meetings also allow cardinals to assess potential candidates informally.
   • Funeral Rites: The late pope’s body is typically laid in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration. A nine-day period of mourning (Novendiales) follows, during which Masses are held. The funeral Mass is celebrated, after which the pope is buried (often in the Vatican Grottoes, unless otherwise specified).
   • Logistical Arrangements: The Sistine Chapel is prepared for the conclave, with security measures to ensure secrecy (e.g., sweeping for electronic devices). The cardinals’ accommodations in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (a Vatican guesthouse) are arranged.
     
4. The Conclave Begins
   
   • The conclave typically starts 15–20 days after the pope’s death, allowing time for cardinals to arrive and preparations to be completed. The Camerlengo and College of Cardinals may adjust this timeline if necessary.
   • Entry into the Conclave: On the morning of the conclave, cardinals participate in a Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice (for the election of the Roman Pontiff) in St. Peter’s Basilica. They then process to the Sistine Chapel, swearing an oath of secrecy and fidelity to the process. The command “Extra Omnes” (everyone out) is given, and the chapel is sealed, with only electors and a few assistants (e.g., confessors, doctors) remaining.
     
   • Voting Procedure:
     • Voting occurs in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s frescoes. Ballots are cast secretly, with each cardinal writing the name of their chosen candidate.
     • Four voting sessions are held daily (two in the morning, two in the afternoon). A two-thirds majority (or two-thirds plus one, depending on the number of electors) is required to elect a pope.
     • Ballots are burned after each session. Black smoke (fumata nera) signals no pope has been elected, while white smoke (fumata bianca) indicates a successful election, achieved by adding chemicals to the fire.
     • If no pope is elected after several days, voting may pause for prayer and discussion, and alternative voting methods (e.g., a runoff between top candidates) can be invoked, though this is rare.
       
5. Election and Acceptance
   
   • Once a candidate achieves the required majority, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks the elected individual, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he accepts, he becomes pope immediately.
   • The new pope chooses his papal name (e.g., Francis chose his name inspired by St. Francis of Assisi).
   • The cardinals pledge obedience to the new pope in a brief ceremony.
     
6. Announcement to the World
   
   • The senior cardinal-deacon (currently Cardinal Renato Martino, unless changed by 2025) appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!). He then introduces the new pope’s name and title.
   • The new pope delivers his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), from the balcony.
     
7. Transition to the New Papacy
   
   • The new pope assumes his duties, including moving into the Apostolic Palace (or, as Pope Francis preferred, the simpler Domus Sanctae Marthae).
   • He begins appointing key officials (e.g., Secretary of State) and setting the tone for his pontificate through early addresses or actions.
   • The Sede Vacante period ends, and the Church resumes normal governance under the new pontiff.