The appointment of a Pope in the Roman Catholic Church is a deeply traditional and spiritual process that follows these key steps:
1. Death or Resignation of the Pope
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The process begins when the current Pope dies or resigns, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013.
2. Sede Vacante
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This Latin term means “the seat being vacant.” It refers to the period between Popes.
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During this time, the governance of the Church is handled by the College of Cardinals, but they can’t make major decisions until a new Pope is elected.
3. Conclave Begins
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Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
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The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican.
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The process is secret and solemn. They’re locked in until a decision is reached.
4. Voting
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Up to four ballots can be cast each day, with two ballots cast in the morning and two in the afternoon.
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A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected Pope.
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After each vote, the ballots are burned:
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Black smoke (resulting from the addition of chemicals to the burning paper) indicates a lack of decision.
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White smoke signals that a Pope has been elected.
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5. Acceptance
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Once elected, the chosen cardinal is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
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If he says yes, he will be asked what name he wishes to be called as Pope.
6. Announcement
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The senior Cardinal Deacon announces from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica:
“Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope). -
The new Pope then appears and gives his first blessing as Pope.
