As Pope Francis recovers from bronchitis in the hospital, speculation has grown about what would happen if he were to resign due to health concerns, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
The process by which the Catholic Church selects a new Pope has remained largely unchanged for the past 800 years. This system, known as the ‘Papal Conclave,’ will be employed once again when the time comes to choose Francis’ successor.
The selection process is democratic, relying on multiple rounds of voting until a clear consensus is reached. Under the current regulations, only Cardinals who are under 80 years old are permitted to vote.
While, in theory, any male Catholic is eligible to become Pope, in practice, the role has traditionally been filled by members of the College of Cardinals for centuries. There is no age restriction for becoming Pope, but history shows that most Pontiffs have been selected at an older age. Francis assumed the role at 76 and is now 88. Before him, Benedict XVI became Pope at 78 and unexpectedly retired at 85 after serving for eight years.
The process of selecting a new Pope begins with a special morning mass, after which the 120 voting-age Cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel. This chapel, renowned for its breathtaking decorations, has hosted every Papal Conclave since 1858.
Later in the day, the phrase “extra omnes” (meaning “everybody out”) is declared, signaling that only the Cardinals may remain inside. Having sworn an oath of secrecy, they are locked in until a new Pope is chosen.
The first round of voting does not necessarily yield an immediate result. The process involves speeches, prayer, reflection, and, inevitably, strategic negotiations as Cardinals narrow down the candidates through successive rounds.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the Cardinals are seated on both sides. Nine Cardinals are randomly selected to oversee and manage the voting process. Among them, three act as Scrutineers, responsible for supervising the vote, three collect the ballots, and the remaining three verify them.
To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If a strong candidate emerges early, the process can conclude swiftly. However, from the 34th ballot onward, voting is restricted to the two frontrunners who garnered the most support in the preceding round. Historically, some conclaves have been remarkably prolonged. One of the longest in history, occurring in the late 13th century, lasted nearly three years due to severe political discord. During this time, three voting Cardinals passed away.
The voting process itself is conducted in secrecy. In 1621, Pope Gregory XV implemented the secret ballot system to minimize overt political maneuvering. Nevertheless, the Conclave remains a battleground of competing factions, each striving for their preferred candidate. During each round, Cardinals write down their chosen candidate’s name, often altering their handwriting to keep their vote anonymous.
Once voting is complete, the ballots are burned in a small fire inside the Sistine Chapel. The color of the smoke signals the outcome to the crowds gathered outside. If black smoke rises, it indicates that no Pope has been elected, and voting will continue.
When a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority, the Cardinal Dean summons him to the front of the chapel and asks if he accepts the position. Upon agreeing, the newly elected Pope is asked to select his Papal name.
Despite being regarded as the successor of St. Peter, no Pope has ever chosen the name Peter. This is partly due to the desire to avoid direct comparisons with the founder of the Roman Catholic Church and partly because of an old prophecy suggesting that a Pope named Peter would precede the end of the world.
With the election finalized, the ballots are burned again, this time with a special additive that produces white smoke, signaling to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
In anticipation of the new leader, Vatican tailors prepare three sets of Papal robes in small, medium, and large sizes. After the election, the new Pope enters the Room of Tears, adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, where he dons his white robes and red slippers.
Finally, he is introduced to the public from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the historic declaration: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” meaning, “I announce to you with great joy, we have a Pope.”