Pope Francis Dies At 88 : How The Next Pope Is Chosen

The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, releasing a statement that read: “He died on Monday at 7:35 am, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, a day after making a much-hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.”

Pope Francis had been suffering from bilateral pneumonia and was previously discharged from the hospital on March 23.

He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, he was elected pope, succeeding Benedict XVI, who had made history as the first pope in six centuries to resign from the papacy.

How A Pope Is Chosen In The Catholic Church

Popes are selected by the College of Cardinals, the Church’s most senior officials, all appointed by the pope and typically ordained as bishops.

These cardinals are summoned to the Vatican for a meeting that leads to the Papal election, known as the Conclave.

With over 203 cardinals from 69 different countries, the process is both global and steeped in tradition. However, since 1975, cardinals over the age of 80 have been excluded from voting, and the number of voting cardinals is capped at 120.

The Papal Conclave is a significant event that gathers cardinals from every continent—Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia, and even one from Oceania.

During this period, known as sede vacante (the seat being vacant), when there is no pope, the College of Cardinals assumes responsibility for leading the Church.

The Chamberlain oversees the election process.

Throughout the conclave, the cardinals reside inside the Vatican and are strictly cut off from the outside world. Except for medical emergencies, there is no communication allowed, ensuring total secrecy. The word “conclave” itself means “with a key,” signifying that the cardinals are essentially locked in.

The election can be a brief process or stretch over several days, weeks, or even months. A selected cardinal may decline the papacy, and there have been instances where cardinals died during conclaves.

Regardless, the voting continues until a candidate secures the required majority and accepts the role.

While any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible for election, tradition holds that the new pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals.

The Vatican emphasizes that the cardinals are guided by the Holy Spirit. Still, even though open campaigning is not allowed, the papal election is known to be a highly political process.

Before voting begins in the Sistine Chapel, the area is thoroughly swept by security to ensure there are no hidden microphones or cameras. Radios, televisions, newspapers, magazines, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited.

Support staff including two doctors, priests available for confessions in multiple languages, and housekeeping personnel are also present. Each of these individuals must take an oath of perpetual secrecy and promise not to use any sound or video recording devices.

Voting Process

Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel, “where everything is conducive to an awareness of the presence of God, in whose sight each person will one day be judged.”

On the day the conclave begins, the cardinals attend Mass in the morning and then walk in a formal procession to the chapel. Before voting, they sing the “Veni Creator Spiritus”, a prayer asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Voting is carried out secretly using paper ballots.

On the first afternoon, only one round of voting may occur. From the second day onward, two ballots are conducted in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Each rectangular ballot has the words “Eligio in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) printed on the upper half, with space below for the name of the chosen candidate. Cardinals must write the name anonymously, fold the paper twice, place it on a plate, and then slide it into a chalice. Votes are then counted and recorded.

What it takes to be elected Pope

To be elected pope, a cardinal must receive a two-thirds majority currently at least 86 of 128 votes if all eligible cardinals are present.

After every voting session, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke (fumata nera) signals that no pope has been elected, while white smoke (fumata bianca) announces that a new pope has been chosen.

Chemicals are added to the fire to ensure the smoke color is easily visible to the waiting crowds outside. If a second vote occurs immediately after the first, the ballots from both votes are burned together.

Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes and accepts the role, he is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he agrees, he is then asked what papal name he would like to take.

Announcement of a New Pope

After white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney, there is a short wait before the new pope is officially revealed.

Following his acceptance and the selection of a papal name, the other cardinals approach the new pope to show homage and obedience. He is then dressed in papal robes prepared in various sizes small, medium, or large though quick adjustments may be needed.

Soon afterward, the senior cardinal deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional words:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum… habemus papam!” “I announce to you a great joy… we have a pope!”

The new pope’s name is then announced, and he steps forward to greet the world. After a brief message, he gives his first blessing: the “Urbi et Orbi” to the city and the world”—marking the beginning of his papacy.