The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the highest-ranking figures in the Catholic Church chosen by the deceased Pope. In the coming days, they will gather in Rome for the conclave. The name comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” describing the closed process for electing a pope.
There are more than 220 cardinals from 70 countries around the world, but of these, only 120 are electors (those over 80 are excluded). Two-thirds of them were chosen by Pope Francis in the last 10 years and largely reflect his vision for a more inclusive church.
When the cardinals gather in Rome, usually 15-20 days after the death of a pope, they meet under the ceiling painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to begin their deliberations. After the words “extra omne,” – all out – are said, referring to everyone except the voting cardinals and a small number of officials and doctors, the doors are locked.
The cardinals are sworn to absolute secrecy and are not allowed any contact with the outside world during the election process. They are deprived of their mobile phones, there are no newspapers, no television, and no text messages or letters are allowed. The cardinals eat and sleep in a purpose-built building, the Casa Santa Marta, near the Sistine Chapel, where Pope Francis has lived for the past 12 years.
The conclave begins with a mass, after which the discussions and voting begin. Voting takes place every day, in the morning and afternoon, until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority. There is a break for prayer and reflection after 7 votes. If there is no result after 30 votes, the candidate can be elected by a simple majority. The longest papal conclave in modern history was in 1922, when the cardinals took five days to elect the new pope.
Any baptized man can be elected pope, but a serving cardinal is always elected. Each of them is given a ballot paper with the words “ eligo in summum pontificem,” – elect the supreme pope. They write the name of their choice, fold the paper, and throw it into a large bowl.
Voting is secret, but that doesn’t mean the process is immune to factionalism, intrigue, or even lobbying. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. They are sprayed with chemicals to turn them into black or white smoke. Black smoke symbolizes that there is no agreement on the name of the new Pope, while white smoke announces to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
The successful candidate is asked whether he accepts the election and what name he will choose as Pope. The cardinals pledge their obedience to the new pope. The latter is taken to the Chamber of Tears to be dressed, now as the new Pope. The Vatican tailors make three sets of robes of different sizes without his election.
The Dean of Cardinals steps out onto the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and, before thousands of Catholic faithful, announces: “Anuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam,” – he announces to you with the greatest joy: We have a pope.
