The pope becomes pope through a process called a papal conclave, which is a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened to elect the Bishop of Rome (the pope). Here is how the process works:
The Election Process
- When the papal seat is vacant (due to death or resignation), all cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City for the conclave
- The cardinals take an oath of secrecy and are locked inside the chapel, unable to communicate with the outside world until a new pope is elected
- Each cardinal elector receives ballot papers with the Latin phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff") and writes the name of their chosen candidate on the ballot
- Voting occurs up to four times a day (twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon), with each cardinal casting a secret ballot. The votes are counted by designated cardinals called scrutineers, infirmarii, and revisers
- To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If no candidate achieves this, the ballots are burned with chemicals producing black smoke, signaling no decision
- When a candidate obtains the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned producing white smoke, signaling the election of a new pope
Acceptance and Proclamation
- The dean of the College of Cardinals asks the pope-elect if he accepts the election. The pope-elect can refuse, but in practice, acceptance is almost always given
- Upon acceptance, the new pope chooses a papal name and is vested in papal garments
- The senior cardinal deacon announces Habemus Papam ("We have a pope") from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, and the new pope gives his first blessing to the city of Rome and the world
If the Pope-elect is not a Bishop
- If the pope-elect is not already a bishop, he must be consecrated as one before assuming office. This includes ordination if necessary, performed by the dean or senior cardinal bishop present
Summary
- The pope is elected by the College of Cardinals in a secret ballot requiring a two-thirds majority.
- Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel during a conclave, with multiple rounds of voting daily.
- Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke signals a new pope.
- The elected cardinal must accept the position and is then publicly announced and blessed.
- If not already a bishop, the pope-elect is consecrated before taking office.
This centuries-old process ensures a solemn, confidential, and prayerful election of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church
