How Does the Papal Election Process Work?

(Step-by-Step of the Rites and Rules According to Church Tradition)

The election of the Pope, successor of Saint Peter, is one of the most solemn and ancient ceremonies of the Catholic Church. It follows a precise process, rich in spiritual significance, traditional norms, and deep contemplation. The goal is not merely to choose a leader but to discern, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Shepherd who will lead the Universal Church.

1. The Vacant See

A new Pope can only be elected after the Apostolic See becomes vacant, either due to the Pope's death or a valid resignation (as occurred with Benedict XVI in 2013). During this period:

• All papal powers cease.

• The ordinary administration of the Church is entrusted to the College of Cardinals, which handles routine matters but cannot make significant decisions or alter norms.

2. General Congregations

Before the Conclave, the cardinals gather in sessions called General Congregations:

• They define details of the Conclave (dates, logistics, security).

• The cardinals reflect on the state of the Church and contemporary challenges.

• All cardinals, including those over 80, may participate in the Congregations, although only those under 80 are electors.

3. Entry into the Conclave

Once the Conclave begins:

• The "Pro Eligendo Papa" Mass ("For the Election of the Pope") is celebrated, invoking the Holy Spirit's inspiration.

• The cardinal electors (usually between 100 and 120) enter the Sistine Chapel in a solemn procession, chanting the traditional hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" ("Come, Creator Spirit").

• Once assembled, the Chapel is sealed and isolated from the outside world. No external communication is permitted.

4. Oath of Secrecy

Before voting commences:

• All cardinals take a solemn oath to maintain absolute secrecy regarding all matters related to the election.

• Violating this secrecy results in automatic excommunication (latae sententiae).

5. The Voting Process

The voting process is detailed and adheres to strict norms:

• Each cardinal writes the chosen name on a ballot, folds it, and personally places it into the urn.

• After collecting the votes, the ballots are counted and verified.

• To be elected, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.

Voting Frequency:

• Typically, two votes occur in the morning and two in the afternoon until a Pope is elected.

• If no election occurs after 33 or 34 votes, the process may proceed to a runoff between the two leading candidates.

6. The Signals: Black Smoke and White Smoke

After each vote:

• The ballots are burned in a special stove.

• If no one is elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke (indicating no election).

• When a Pope is elected, the ballots are burned without additives, producing white smoke, signaling to the world that the election is complete.

7. Acceptance and Choice of Name

When a cardinal achieves the two-thirds majority:

• The Dean of the College of Cardinals asks: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"

• If the elected accepts, he chooses the papal name he will use from that moment.

8. Announcement to the World: "Habemus Papam"

After acceptance:

• The new Pope dons the white cassock.

• The Protodeacon Cardinal announces from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica:

  "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"), followed by the chosen name.

• The new Pontiff then gives his first apostolic blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city of Rome and to the world).

Conclusion

The entire process of electing the Pope is imbued with prayer, tradition, and strict adherence to established norms. It is a moment of complete trust in the action of the Holy Spirit, who, through the faith of the Church, continues to guide the world until the end of time.