Pope Francis died Monday morning on the age of 88, based on Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. With the papal seat now formally vacant, the Roman Catholic Church will start the normal course of of choosing a brand new pope.
How the Subsequent Pope Is Chosen
The demise of a pope marks a solemn however historic second for the Catholic Church.
Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Church will now enter a interval of mourning and preparation for one of the sacred rituals within the religion: the election of a brand new pope.
Right here’s a step-by-step information to how that course of works.
Step 1: The Papal Emptiness
As soon as the pope passes away (or resigns, which is uncommon), the papal seat turns into vacant.
On this case, Pope Francis handed on April 21, 2025. His demise units into movement a rigorously orchestrated sequence of steps ruled by centuries of Catholic custom.
Step 2: The School of Cardinals
The duty of selecting the subsequent pope falls to the School of Cardinals.
Solely cardinals below the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
These senior church leaders come collectively from world wide for the choice course of.
Step 3: The Conclave Begins
The conclave is a closed-door gathering held within the Sistine Chapel.
Throughout this time, the cardinals are minimize off from all exterior communication.
They pray, talk about, and finally vote for the subsequent chief of the Catholic Church.
Step 4: The Voting Course of
Voting is finished in secret.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a brand new pope.
If nobody reaches this threshold, ballots are burned and one other spherical of voting takes place.
This course of can take a number of days, with as much as 4 votes per day.
Step 5: Smoke Alerts from the Vatican
The general public watches intently for the well-known smoke indicators from the Sistine Chapel.
White smoke = A brand new pope has been elected.
Black smoke = No resolution has been made.
Step 6: Acceptance and Identify Choice
As soon as a candidate receives the required votes, he’s requested whether or not he accepts the function.
If he agrees, he chooses a papal title and turns into the brand new pope.
Step 7: The World Watches – “Habemus Papam”
When a brand new pope is chosen, he seems on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The announcement is made with the Latin phrase “Habemus Papam” (“We have now a pope”), adopted by the brand new pope’s title and his first public blessing.
How the Subsequent Pope Is Chosen: Step-by-Step Information
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