Pope election: Closed society: How does the pope choose?

The conclave, the gathering of cardinals for the choice of a new Pope, is one of the most mysterious and most traditional rituals in the Catholic Church. If the purple bearers were able to agree on a new pope and climb white smoke above the Sistine chapel, the masses gathered on St. Peter’s Square and millions in front of the screens are eagerly awaiting the redeeming sentence: “Habemus papam”. An overview:

Why is it called “complain”?

The word comes from the Latin “Cum Clave”, that is, “with key” – i.e. enclosed. The cardinals come together to choose the Pope without contact with the outside world. They swear secrecy at the beginning. Anyone who violates excommunication – the exclusion from the church. Doctors, security guards and cleaning staff who are included in the conclave in the background must also take an oath.

The strict procedure has its roots in the 13th century. Political interference has only been prohibited since the beginning of the 20th century. Media and cell phones including the Internet and cameras are not allowed cardinals during this time, there is only an emergency phone. The interference and the search for bugs are supposed to thwart list of listening. Because in 2005 one leaked Joseph Ratzinger revealed Joseph Ratzinger to Pope Benedict XVI. before the official announcement.

The Sistine chapel near St. Peter’s Basilica is probably the most beautiful polling station in the world. Since 1870, with the end of the church state, the construction from the 15th century has been the constant place for the conclave. Among other things, the walls adorn the famous Renaissance frescoes of Michelangelos, including the “youngest court”. Otherwise, more than seven million tourists per year – as part of the Vatican Museums. The windows are imposed on the conclave. The chapel is completely rebuilt. Simple wooden benches soft comfortable chairs and tables.

How do the cardinals live?

In the past, cardinals were included in the Sistine chapel and outbuildings in the pope election and the night in Spartan berths. Today they dine and sleep strictly in the Santa Marta guest house in the Vatican. Her day often starts before six in the morning. There are rules for the dishes: they should be easy not to distract the cardinals, but nutritiously to provide them with the necessary energy.

The German Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki says about the pope election: “All electronic devices have to be handed over. I still remember very well how I moved my own room last time: the windows were sealed, the window shops were closed. I had no way to see the daylight.”

How does the choice work?

In theory, every Catholic christened man can be chosen in a secret choice. In practice, only cardinals have had realistic opportunities since the Middle Ages. Pope Francis appointed many cardinals from non -European countries, for example from Africa and Asia. This now increases the diversity of the college from more than 60 countries.

But there is an age limit: only cardinals that were under 80 when the Pope died were entitled to vote. That is more than 130 at the moment. Everyone writes the name of their preferred candidate on a ballot and folds him twice. It is allowed to adjust your own manuscript. Then the cardinals step on the ballot box. A two -thirds majority is necessary for the Pope’s choice.

Cardinals wear a scarlet soutaneous. Liturgical robes such as the Mozetta, a short cloak, a square birett and other headgear are also possible. The newly elected Pope immediately receives new robes with which he later also enters the Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. As a precaution, they have been tailored to three sizes as a precaution.

In the Middle Ages, it took almost three years to the election of Pope Gregor X. In 1503, Pope Julius II was elected after just a few hours. However, bribery is said to have accelerated the vote. Finally, the conclave needed up to five days for his decision. On the first day there is only one ballot, then usually four a day. Breaks are possible. If no Pope is yet certain after the 33rd ballot, the candidates can occur with the most votes.

When does smoke come from the chimney?

Since the 19th century, the ballot papers and notes have always been burned in cast iron stoves in a conclave. The smoke from a chimney, colored with chemicals, is a signal. Black means: no result. A new Pope is chosen for white smoke. If he accepts the choice and names his papal names, the bells of the St. Peter’s Basilica ring. Later the cardinals and the new Pope step on its middle balcony. Then it’s called “Habemus Papam” (we have a Pope) and the world experiences the name.