The Smoke-Filled Chamber: Unraveling the Intricacies of the Papal Election
- by Frank Ochmann
- and Bettina Müller
- 4 Min
The Apostolic See's Throne Vacant
The Holy Gathering: The Inner Workings of the Papal Election within the Vatican - Vatican chooses the new pontiff
The papal line ends with the demise or abdication of a Pope, paving the way for a carefully choreographed procedure to usher in a new penificial leader. The current election legislation stems from John Paul II with minor modifications by Benedict XVI.
Cardinals Assemble in Rome
With a total of 252 cardinals, including those above 80, present in the Vatican. Only those below 80 on the vacancy day are entitled to cast a vote, leaving 136 eligible cardinals in the current conclave.
General Congregation
The daily gathering of cardinals (mandatory for eligible voters) ensures the Vatican's administration continues, and prepares for the election. These meetings foster interactions and foster opinions. Vows of secrecy are sworn. A solemn mass over Peter's tomb invokes divine intervention.
Conclave Kickoff
Typically, with a waiting period of 15 days maximum, 20 days at most, the election should commence. If all cardinals assemble ahead, an earlier date is possible.
Upon the Pope's demise or resignation, cardinals make their way to the Sistine Chapel for solemn swearing-in. "Extra omnes", the master of ceremonies bellows, "all departure".
Voting Round
On the inaugural day, a preliminary vote usually commences in the afternoon. Subsequent days witness four votes - two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Papers are provided for written voting, with disguised handwriting, for the chosen candidate. These ballots, folded twice, are deposited into an urn. Unmarried male Catholics with sane minds and adhering to Church faith are eligible voters.
The candidate requires at least two-thirds approval to ascend the papal throne.
If no candidate garners sufficient support after tallying, burned ballots signal an unsuccessful vote, signified by black smoke from the Sistine Chapel.
Should 34 unsuccessful votes occur, a runoff vote is held after reflection. If required, the process restarts from scratch.
New Pope Elected
The chosen one is asked to accept the position. Upon acceptance, he determines his future name.
White smoke, in tandem with St. Peter's bell tolls, heralds the successful election of a new Pope.
Robing and Homage
In the adjoining Sistine Chapel's 'tear room', the Pope adorns his robes. Vestments of three sizes are readied. If the Pope is not a bishop, his ordination ensues immediately.
Afterward, cardinals pay homage to the newly-minted Pope and pledge allegiance and obedience.
Public Display
After brief remarks to the assembly in St. Peter's Square, the new Pope delivers his "Urbi et orbi", a blessing for Rome and the world.
- In the Sistine Chapel, unmarried male Catholics with sane minds and adhering to Church faith, who are below 80 years old on the vacancy day, initiate their voting process on the inaugural day, using disguised handwriting to choose their candidate.
- To ascend the papal throne, a candidate requires at least two-thirds approval from the eligible cardinals during the voting rounds.
- If no candidate gains sufficient support after a total of 34 unsuccessful votes, a runoff vote is held, providing all cardinals with a chance for reflection before proceeding with another round of voting.
- White smoke from the Sistine Chapel, accompanied by St. Peter's bell tolls, signifies the successful election of a new Pope, following his acceptance of the position.
- After being elected, the new Pope dons his robes, symbolizing his transition into the role of the supreme pontiff, followed by pledges of allegiance and obedience from the cardinals in attendance.
