Following the announcement this morning of the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, the Catholic Church has now begun the solemn and secretive process of selecting his successor. But how exactly is a new pope chosen?
His death was announced just eight days after he made a hopeful and cherished appearance at Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, April 13.
The Catholic Church has entered a period known as sede vacante, which is Latin for “the seat being vacant”, and this triggers the centuries-old process of selecting a new pope.
With no clear frontrunner, attention has turned to several high-ranking cardinals considered potential successors to the 266th pontiff, who led the Church from 2013 until his death at age 88.
The selection of a new pope will be decided during a conclave, a secretive gathering of eligible cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics will be selected.
1. The Papal Seat Becomes Vacant
The process of selecting a new pope begins when the current pontiff dies or formally resigns – as was the case in 2013 with Pope Benedict XVI. The announcement of Pope Francis’ death sets this process in motion.
2. The College of Cardinals Convenes
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. They travel to Vatican City from across the globe to participate in a gathering known as the papal conclave.
3. Secrecy in the Sistine Chapel
The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, under the famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Before proceedings begin, the cardinals take a solemn oath of secrecy. No communication with the outside world is permitted during the voting process.
4. The Voting Begins
Cardinals cast their votes in secret. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned.
5. Watching the Smoke
The world watches the chapel chimney closely. The smoke signals are a centuries-old tradition:
Black smoke means no decision has been reached.
White smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.
6. The Chosen One Is Asked
Once a candidate receives the required number of votes, they are asked if they accept the role. If they agree, they respond with the word “accepto.” They then choose a new name under which they will serve.
7. “Habemus Papam!”
Shortly after, a senior cardinal appears on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and announces: “Habemus papam!” — Latin for “We have a pope!”
8. First Blessing to the World
The newly elected pope then steps out onto the balcony to give his first apostolic blessing to the crowd in St Peter’s Square and to Catholics around the world.
As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, the world will once again look to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, awaiting the white smoke that signals a new chapter has begun.
