How Does the Vatican Elect a New Pope? A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes time to elect a new pope, the Catholic Church embarks on a deeply traditional and sacred process that has shaped its history for nearly a millennium. The election of a new pope is one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church, filled with centuries of tradition and strict procedures. Known as a papal conclave, this process has been used to select the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for nearly a millennium.

The grandeur and secrecy surrounding the event are rooted in religious reverence and historical necessity. The process unfolds within the Vatican‘s hallowed halls and reflects the Church’s deep commitment to continuity, faith, and divine guidance.

From the moment the papacy is declared vacant, the Catholic Church embarks on a meticulously planned journey to select its new leader. This guide walks you through each step of the papal election process, from the death or resignation of a pope to the announcement of “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Papal Vacancy: When the Seat Becomes Empty

The papacy becomes vacant either through the death of a reigning pope or his resignation. In modern history, Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 was a rare instance, as it marked the first voluntary papal resignation since 1415. When the seat becomes vacant, the Vatican’s Camerlengo, the chamberlain of the Church, officially confirms the pope’s death or resignation.

In the case of death, tradition dictates that the Camerlengo gently taps the pope’s forehead with a silver hammer three times, calling out his birth name. If there is no response, the pope is declared deceased. The Camerlengo then removes the Fisherman’s Ring from the pope’s hand and destroys it along with the official papal seal, symbolizing the end of his papacy. This act prevents any official documents from being forged in his name.

After confirmation, the College of Cardinals is summoned to Rome to prepare for the conclave. They gather for a period of mourning known as the Novemdiales, nine days of prayer and reflection dedicated to the late pope. During this time, the cardinals also address the Church’s immediate needs and begin preliminary discussions about the conclave. This period is crucial for setting the tone and aligning the Church’s vision for its future leader.

The College of Cardinals: The Electors of the Pope

The College of Cardinals, a body of senior Church officials appointed by previous popes, is responsible for electing the next pope. As of recent conclaves, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, a reform instituted by Pope Paul VI to ensure active and contemporary leadership in the decision-making process.

The cardinals, who come from all corners of the globe, are sworn to absolute secrecy regarding the discussions and voting within the conclave. This measure is intended to protect the integrity of the election process and prevent external influences. Violating this secrecy is considered a grave offense within the Church, carrying the threat of excommunication.

Before the conclave begins, the cardinals participate in congregational meetings, where they discuss the Church’s needs and the qualities required in the next pope. These discussions are pivotal, as they help shape the voting strategies and potential alliances that may influence the conclave’s outcome. Historically, these meetings can last for weeks, fostering intense debate over theological priorities and Church governance.

Entering the Conclave: Tradition and Security

When the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave, they do so with solemnity and ritual. The Latin phrase “Extra omnes”—meaning “Everyone out!”—is declared, signaling that all non-essential personnel must leave. The doors are then locked, symbolizing the cardinals’ seclusion from the outside world.

Security measures are stringent; electronic devices are banned, and the chapel is swept for surveillance equipment. The Church takes extraordinary steps to ensure that no information about the voting leaks to the public. Cardinals are forbidden from communicating with anyone outside the conclave until a new pope is elected.

During the conclave, the cardinals pray, deliberately, and cast their votes secretly. This period of seclusion is designed to foster deep reflection and divine inspiration, ensuring that the decision is made with the utmost faith and integrity. It is a time marked by devotion and solemnity, with cardinals deeply conscious of their responsibility to the global Catholic community.

The Voting Process: Ballots and Scrutiny to Elect a New Pope

Voting is carried out through a multi-step process known as scrutiny. Each cardinal writes the name of his choice for pope on a ballot, which is then folded and placed into a chalice atop the altar of the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals take an oath before casting their votes, pledging to elect the candidate they believe is best suited to lead the Church.

The ballots are counted and verified by designated scrutineers. For a candidate to be elected pope, he must secure a two-thirds majority. If no one achieves this threshold, the ballots are burned, sending black smoke—fumata nera—through the chapel’s chimney to signal an inconclusive vote.

Voting continues up to four times daily until a consensus is reached. When a candidate finally secures the required majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical additive to produce white smoke—fumata bianca—signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen. This symbolic act has been used for centuries to communicate the decision to the public, with throngs gathered in St. Peter’s Square waiting for the first glimpse of their new leader.

Acceptance and the Choosing of a Papal Name

Once the votes are tallied and a cardinal is chosen, the Dean of the College of Cardinals approaches him with a simple question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he responds affirmatively, he is asked to choose a papal name—a symbolic gesture that often reflects the values or legacy he wishes to embody.

The chosen name is announced to the cardinals, who then pledge their allegiance to the new pope. Shortly after, preparations are made for his first public appearance as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Announcement: “Habemus Papam!”

Following the election, the new pope is led to the Room of Tears, where he dons his papal vestments. He then proceeds to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon announces the historic words: “Habemus Papam!”—“We have a pope!”

The new pope then greets the crowd and delivers his first apostolic blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi—“To the City and the World.” This moment marks the beginning of his papacy and symbolizes the continuation of leadership for the Catholic Church.

Conclusion

The election of a pope is more than just a transfer of power; it is a profound ritual steeped in history, faith, and unity. The conclave represents the Church’s commitment to spiritual guidance and its enduring traditions. As the white smoke rises and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out, the world is reminded of the enduring strength and legacy of the papacy.

Through centuries of war, peace, and transformation, the papal election remains a symbol of resilience and faith, uniting Catholics worldwide in anticipation and hope.