Vatican City – Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican has set in motion the centuries-old process to elect a new Bishop of Rome.
The process, which has remained virtually unchanged for over 800 years, will begin with the preparation for the conclave, where the cardinal electors will gather to choose the new Pope.
Step 1: Public Display and Mourning Period
The body of Pope Francis will be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
A ceremony led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals will follow, and the Camerlengo will oversee the necessary preparations for the conclave.
This process must begin within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death, giving time for mourning and for the arrival of all eligible cardinals in Rome.
Step 2: Special Mass and Gathering of Elector Cardinals
Once preparations are complete, the conclave begins with a special mass, and the elector cardinals, who are all under the age of 80, will gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process.
The cardinals are sworn to secrecy, and no contact with the outside world is allowed during the conclave, except in cases of emergency.
Step 3: Voting Process
The cardinals vote by secret ballot, writing the name of their chosen candidate below “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff”).
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope. Up to four votes are held each day, and if no consensus is reached, the ballots are burned, producing black smoke to signal that the election is ongoing.
Step 4: White Smoke and the Announcement
When a new Pope is elected, the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce white smoke, indicating the selection of a new pontiff.
The senior cardinal deacon then steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces “Habemus Papam” (meaning “We have a Pope”). The new Pope then appears on the balcony to greet the faithful.
Step 5: Acceptance and Papal Name
The newly elected Pope is asked if they accept the papacy. Upon acceptance, they choose a papal name and are dressed in papal vestments.
The new Pope is then introduced to the world as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The election process ensures that the selection of the new Pope remains a solemn, transparent, and structured tradition, maintaining the integrity of the papacy throughout the centuries.
