How a Pope is Elected

Introduction

• Overview of the conclave process for electing a new Pope.
• Importance of understanding the procedures involved.

The Period of Vacant Seat

• Begins when the Pope dies or resigns.
• Power of the Holy See is temporarily held by the College of Cardinals.
• The period lasts a short time, focusing on ordinary administration.

Summoning the Cardinals

• Cardinal De Cano summons cardinal electors under 80 years old to Rome.
• Cardinal electors are those eligible to vote in the conclave.

The Conclave

• Established in the 10th century; rules have evolved.
• Recent regulations by John Paul II (Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, 1996).
• Cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel (origin of the term "conclave").

Requirements for Election

• A 2/3 majority of votes from cardinal electors is necessary for election.
  • Example: If 150 cardinals, 100 votes needed.
  • If the number is not divisible by three, then 2/3 + 1 is needed.
  • Example: With 101 cardinals, 68 votes needed.

Voting Process

• If majority is not reached after 34 votes, only the two most voted candidates are put on the next ballot.
• Recent examples of elections:
  • Pope Francis elected after the fifth ballot.
  • Pope Benedict XV elected after the fourth ballot.

Ballot Process

• Rectangular ballot papers are used, labeled "Eligo Insum Ponteficem" (I elect as Pope).
• After voting, ballots are counted by scrutineers.
• If no candidate receives the necessary votes, further ballots are conducted (usually four per day).

Smoke Signals

• After each vote, results are communicated through smoke signals:
  • Black smoke: no election.
  • White smoke: new Pope elected.
• The stove used for smoke has two compartments for burning ballots and smoke bombs for visibility.

Acceptance of Election

• The cardinal dean asks the elected cardinal if he accepts the position and his chosen pontifical name.
• The elected Pope dons pontifical robes in the "Room of Tears."
• Public announcement made by the cardinal protodeacon with the phrase "Abemus Papam."

Requirements to Become Pope

• Must be a celibate, baptized male.
• Not necessary to be a priest or cardinal, but in practice, popes are chosen from cardinals.
• Historical context: last non-cardinal elected was Hadrian VI in 1522, last layman was Pope Leo VII in 1963.

Cardinal Negotiations

• Cardinals often form factions based on political ideas, church divisions, or geography.
• Influence from the outside is prohibited; cards are isolated during the conclave.
• Historical context: veto power held by sovereigns of Catholic nations until the 20th century.

Security Concerns

• Fear of technological interference in the Sistine Chapel, leading to strict security checks.

Conclusion

• Summary of key points regarding the election of a new Pope.
• Encouragement for questions and engagement in the comments.