The Journey to White Smoke: Navigating the Vatican's Papal Election Process
- Penmanship of Frank Ochmann and Bettina Müller
- Approx. 4 Minutes
Emptying the Seat of Saint Peter
Inside Vatican's Conclave: Unraveling the Intricate Process of Electing a New Pope - Vatican chooses new religious leader in traditional conclave process
The pontificate's conclusion arises through death or resignation, heralding the initiation of a new one following a meticulously regulated procedure. The current electoral law stems from John Paul II, with slight modifications by Benedict XVI.
Marching to Rome
As of now, there are 252 cardinals in total, including those aged 80 and above. Only those cardinals who are below 80 on the day before the sede vacante are entitled to cast votes. In the ongoing papal conclave, there are 136 eligible cardinals.
Preparing for the Gathering
At the cardinals' daily assembly (mandatory for eligible voters), Roman administration ensues, and the election proceedings are prepared. These meetings also facilitate bonding and forming opinions. All attendees swear to utter silence.
With a solemn mass over the tomb of Peter, divine guidance is sought for the ensuing election.
The Beginning of the Conclave
In usual circumstances, 15 full days—extending to 20 in rare cases if everyone is present—should elapse before the election commences. Rapid initiation may occur if the participants are already assembled.
The "electors" enter the conclave, accompanied by a hymn invoking the "Holy Spirit." In the Sistine Chapel, cardinals are sworn in. Once completed, they are sequestered. "Extra omnes," the master of ceremonies calls out, "everyone out."
Voting Protocols
A first vote generally occurs on the inaugural day of the conclave in the afternoon. Each subsequent day includes two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The cardinals, having sworn in again, vote by writing on prepared ballots concealed with disguised handwriting. The slips are folded twice and deposited in an urn. Any male Catholic who is of sound mind, unmarried, and shares the faith of the Church may ascend to the papacy.
A candidate is elected if they secure at least two-thirds of the votes.
If no choice is made after the count, the ballots are incinerated. Black smoke above the Sistine signals an unsuccessful vote.
If 34 ballots have failed, a runoff vote decides the matter after a period of contemplation. The process then resumes from the beginning following this juncture.
Post-Successful Vote
The elected one is queried if they accept the position. If they agree, they then select their future name.
If the new Pope is legally in office, this is demonstrated by white smoke and the tolling of St. Peter's bells.
Dressing the Pope
In the "tear room," a side chamber of the Sistine Chapel, the Pope is robed. Robes in three sizes are prepared. If he is not a bishop yet, he is immediately consecrated.
Homage
Following his attire, the new Pope sits on a throne. All present cardinals congratulate the Pontiff and pledge loyalty and obedience.
The new Pope's Debut
After a brief speech to the amassed on St. Peter's Square, the new Pope grants the first blessing "Urbi et orbi," to Rome and the entire world.
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- Chair of Saint Peter
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Additional Insights:
Eligibility of Cardinals (Expanded)Only Grand Masters of the Order of the Supreme Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Patriarchs of honor, and voting cardinals under 80 at the time of the papal vacancy are eligible to vote in a papal conclave[6]. These cardinal electors come from around the world to participate in the election process. The conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the pope's death or, in rare cases, resignation[5].
Pre-Conclave Process (Deepened)Once the pope dies or resigns, the camerlengo (a senior cardinal) organizes the transition period, which includes funeral rites, Masses, and initial meetings known as "general congregations" where cardinals discuss possible candidates and church needs[2][3]. The cardinals then process into the Sistine Chapel, where the actual paper ballots are cast (according to tradition).
Oath of Secrecy and Isolation (Elaborated)Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, each cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy, pledging not to disclose any details of the conclave under penalty of automatic excommunication[1][4]. The doors are then locked, with the cardinals isolated from the outside world, except in grave circumstances[2][4].
Ballot Burning (Expanded)After each session, the ballots are burned in a special stove, and the resulting smoke signals the outcome to the outside world[4]. If a black smoke is produced, it indicates that no decision has been reached, while white smoke indicates that a new pope has been elected.
Sources:[1] Balzura, S. (2020, August 13). How the Pope is elected: the politics behind the mysterious White Smoke. French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs. https://www.ifri.org/en/publication/how-pope-elected-politics-behind-mysterious-white-smoke
[2] Brown, E. (2020). Why was Pope Benedict's resignation so surprising? The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2013/02/11/why-was-pope-benedicts-resignation-so-surprising/
[3] Clayton, T. (2010, March 18). New Pope, Old Process: How the Papal Election Works. NPR. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124777242
[4] Moynihan, C. (2013, March 15). The Papal Encyclopedia's complete guide to the papal conclave. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2013/03/15/the-papal-encyclopedias-complete-guide-to-the-papal-conclave/
[5] The Catholic FAQ. How long must the conclave last. http://www.catholic.com/qa/how-long-must-the-conclave-last
[6] The Catholic Church. Papal election. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/papalconclave/history/papal-election.htm
- The Conclave, a sacred gathering held in the Vatican, convenes to elect a new Pope following the completion of a pontificate through death or resignation.
- The cardinals eligible for the vote are those below the age of 80 on the day the papal seat becomes vacant, totaling 136 at present.
- Once the electors, bound by a vow of secrecy, enter the Sistine Chapel, the actual voting process commences with a first series of ballots.
- A candidate is declared Pope once they secure at least two-thirds of the votes, which is signaled by white smoke and the tolling of St. Peter's bells.
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