Sede Vacante: Vatican Will Now Elect New Pope — Papal Conclave Steps Explained
Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on Monday, after a prolonged illness. The College of Cardinals will elect the new Pope through a secret voting process known as the papal conclave.
Pope Francis, who had been unwell for several months now, and was recently discharged, passed away at his Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican on Monday. According to the Vatican, the end came at 7:35 am local time. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to hospital on February 14, and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia later. He returned to his Vatican residence late March after 38 days in hospital.
His last funeral Mass, yet to be announced, will be guided by the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, an updated edition of which was approved by Pope Francis in April 2024, the Vatican has said.
The period after the Pope’s death is known as sede vacante (“the seat being vacant”), during which the College of Cardinals govern the Church as the Vatican prepares for papal conclave to select the new Pope.
The election of a new pope by the Catholic Church is one of the most secretive events in the world, steeped in centuries-old tradition and ritual. It is said the method has remained unchanged for the last 800 years. This process is known as the papal conclave.
Here is a detailed look at how the Vatican selects the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Who Elects The Pope, And Who Are Eligible?
The responsibility of electing a new pope falls to the College of Cardinals, specifically those under the age of 80 at the time the papacy becomes vacant. These are known as the cardinal electors.
While any baptised Roman Catholic male is technically eligible, in practice, every Pope for several centuries now has been chosen from among the cardinals themselves.
The Papal Conclave — Step-By-Step
1. The Preparation
- After the pope dies or resigns, there is a waiting period of 15 to 20 days. This allows time for all cardinals to gather in Rome and for the Church to mourn and prepare.
- During this period, the cardinals discuss the needs of the Church and attend a special Mass for the Election of the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The cardinal electors process into the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath of secrecy. All forms of communication with the outside world are cut off — no phones, internet, or outside contact. Since 1858, all the papal conclaves have taken place at the Sistine Chapel.
- The doors of the chapel are sealed, and the cardinals remain in isolation until a new pope is chosen.
2. The Voting
- The voting is conducted in secret and is highly ritualised. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot, which is then placed in an urn at the altar.
- Each round of voting is counted by three randomly selected cardinals. The ballots are read aloud, tallied, and then strung together before being burned.
- Up to four votes are held each day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
- A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected Pope.
- If no one is elected after several rounds, the process continues, sometimes with pauses for prayer and reflection. If a deadlock persists, the cardinals may be asked to focus on the leading candidates.
3. The Smoke Signals
- After each round, the ballots are burnt in a special stove.
- If no Pope is elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke, signalling to the crowds outside that deliberations continue.
- When a new Pope is chosen, white smoke rises, announcing the election to the world.
4. 'Habemus Papam': The Announcement
- Once a candidate receives the required majority, he is asked if he accepts the role.
- If he agrees, he chooses a papal name and is dressed in papal vestments.
- The new pope is then introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional announcement: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”).
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