Conclave: This is how the pope choice works in the Vatican

Due to the Pope’s death or resignation, his pontificate endsand a new one is initiated in a precisely regulated procedure. The applicable right to vote comes from John Paul II and was made by Benedict XVI. slightly changed.

The current total number of cardinals including the over 80 year olds is 252. Only the cardinals that were younger than 80 years before the Sedisvakanz are entitled to vote. In the current conclave, these are 136 cardinals.

The administration in the Vatican is continued in the daily meeting of the cardinals (for eligible duty) and the election is prepared. The meetings also serve to get to know each other and the formation of opinion. All participants swear secrecy.

With a solemn mass above the grave of Petri, the support of God is requested for the upcoming election.

Normally, 15 full days, a maximum of 20 offenses, are supposed to go before the election begins. If everyone is already gathered, an earlier appointment is possible.

The “electors” move into the conclave. With a hymn, call the “creator spirit”. The cardinals are sworn in in the Sistine chapel. Then they are isolated. “Extra omnes,” calls the ceremoniar, “all out”.

On the first day of the conclusion, a first ballot usually takes place in the afternoon. After that there are two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

The swearing -out cardinals choose handwritten and with adjusted font on prepared notes. They are folded twice and placed in an urn. Every single male Catholic can be selected, who is in full possession of his mental powers and shares the faith of the church.

If you can unite at least two thirds of the votes.

If no candidate is chosen after the count, the notes are burned. Black smoke above the sixtina signals the unsuccessful ballot.

If 34 elections have run out unsuccessfully, a runoff election should decide after a break.
If necessary, everything starts from the front.

The chosen is asked if he accepts the office. He accepts, he then determines his future name

If the new Pope is legally in office, this is signaled by white smoke and the ringing of the bells of St. Peter

The Pope is dressed in the “Tear Chamber”, an adjoining room of the Sistine Chapel. Guese are prepared in three sizes. If he is not yet a bishop, he is consecrated immediately

After his clothing, the new Pope takes a seat in a throne seat. All cardinals present congratulate the Pontifex and swear loyalty and obedience.

After a brief speech to the gathered on St. Peter’s Square, the new Pope for the first time granted the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, the city of Rome and the entire earth.