Steps of the conclave to elect the new Pope
The Conclave is one of the most solemn processes of the Catholic Church, a mechanism by which the cardinals elect the new Supreme Pontiff, in this case, after the death of Pope Francis .
It is a ritual steeped in tradition, secrecy, and spirituality, defined by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, to which the eyes of the world will pay close attention.
Vacant Headquarters
The process begins when the Apostolic See becomes vacant, either through the death of the Pope or through his voluntary resignation (as occurred with Benedict XVI in 2013). From that moment on, all authority of the previous pontiff ceases.
General Congregations of Cardinals
All the world's cardinals, including those over 80 (although they do not vote), meet in Rome. The congregations are held in the Vatican and have the following objectives:
- Analyze the situation of the Church.
- Set the start date of the Conclave.
- Make practical decisions.
- Prepare the spiritual environment for discernment.
Beginning of the Conclave
The Conclave formally begins with a Mass entitled "Pro eligendo Pontifice" held in St. Peter's Basilica. Cardinals under 80 years of age are eligible to vote.
They move in solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel, singing the hymn "Veni, Creator Spiritus," invoking the Holy Spirit, and once inside, they swear to maintain absolute secrecy regarding everything that occurs during the process.
The expression "Extra omnes!", meaning "Out with everyone!", marks the moment when all non-participants must leave the chapel, which is then sealed.
Total isolation
During the Conclave, the cardinals are completely cut off from the outside world and cannot use telephones, the internet, or other means of communication. They also sleep in the Casa Santa Marta, under strict surveillance.
The votes
The voting process can take from hours to several days:
1. Preparation for the scrutiny: Each cardinal receives a ballot on which he writes the name of the candidate he wishes to elect.
2. First vote: On the first day there is usually only one vote, and on subsequent days there are up to four votes per day (two in the morning and two in the afternoon).
3. Ballot Counting and Burning: Two-thirds of the votes are required for a candidate to be elected; if there is no majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals that generate black smoke. When the required majority is reached, they are burned with chemicals that generate white smoke, announcing "Habemus Papam."
Acceptance and choice of name
The senior cardinal asks the chosen one: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"; if he accepts, he is asked: "What do you wish to be called?" and the new Pope chooses his pontifical name.
Change of clothes
The new Pope is led to the so-called "Hall of Tears," where he changes his cassock for a white one, symbolizing the beginning of his pontificate.
“Habemus Papam”
The Cardinal Protodeacon announces from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica: "Habemus Papam!" (We have a Pope!), mentions his given name and the new papal title. The new pontiff appears, greets the crowd, and gives his first blessing: Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world).
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