The passing of a pope initiates a time-honoured process, commencing with sacred oaths from the cardinals tasked with electing a new leader for the Catholic Church, which serves over 1.3 billion followers. This involves a meticulous voting sequence held in the Sistine Chapel, where secrecy reigns; cardinals are prohibited from sharing any details of the proceedings outside.
Upon the pope’s death, the camerlengo, or chamberlain, confirms the death, secures the papal apartments, and manages church affairs until a new pope is appointed. Cardinal Kevin Farrell currently holds this position. Most Vatican office prefects lose their roles, while key figures, such as the foreign minister, remain to assist with the transition.
After the pope’s funeral, a period of mourning known as “novendiali” follows, lasting nine days. The conclave for selecting the new pope is to occur 15 to 20 days post-death, allowing cardinals to convene in Rome. Only those under 80 years old can participate in voting, and the eligible number is limited to 120.
The election process, adhering to rules adjusted by Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, involves cardinals casting votes on paper ballots. If no candidate garners the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned to signify the outcome, with the colour of the smoke (black for no decision, white for a new pope) communicated to the outside world. The voting would continue until a new pope is confirmed, with chemical agents ensuring clear smoke signals.
Potential candidates to succeed a pope must be baptized Roman Catholic males, with recent contenders including Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Tagle, among others. Upon a successful election, the new pope is revealed to the public with the declaration “Habemus Papam!” before delivering his first blessing.
This solemn and intricate process underscores the gravity and tradition of papal elections, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership within the Catholic Church.