How the election of the new pope and the conclave takes place, times and methods

The election of a new Pope is one of the most solemn and followed moments by the Catholic Church and the entire world. When the papal seat becomes vacant, we witness an ancient and rigorous process, full of symbols and traditions, which culminates in the official announcement of the new Pontiff.

Let's see how the times, methods and rules of the conclave take place.

How the conclave opens

The conclave is convened when the papal seat becomes vacant, following of the death or resignation of the Pope.

The management of the transition period is entrusted to the College of Cardinals, which is responsible for preparing all the necessary operations. The cardinals meet in General Congregations to discuss the organization of the conclave and the conditions of the Church before starting the actual voting.

Who participates in the conclave

The cardinals of the Catholic Church are participating in the conclave who have not reached the age of eighty the day the seat becomes vacant.

Usually, the number of cardinal electors does not exceed 120 members. Only these have the right to enter the conclave and vote in the election of the new Pope, according to an ancient and highly regulated procedure.

Where the conclave takes place

The conclave is held inside the Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican. All the cardinal electors are completely isolated from the outside world for the entire time necessary to choose the new Pontiff.

Communications of any kind are forbidden and participants solemnly swear to maintain secrecy regarding what happens within the walls of the conclave.

How the voting takes place

Voting takes place in a strictly secret manner. Each cardinal writes the name of the chosen candidate on a ballot paper., which is then collected in a special ballot box. After each count, the ballots are burned in a special oven: if the election has not taken place, the smoke coming out is black; when the necessary majority is reached (two thirds of the votes), the smoke coming out of the chapel is white, thus informing everyone that the new Pope had been elected.

Let's recap:

• Black smoke, no pope elected.
• White smoke, the father has been elected.

What are the times of the conclave?

The timing of the conclave can vary greatly. Traditionally, we are trying to start the conclave within about 15-20 days from the beginning of the sede vacante, to allow for the arrival of all the cardinals. During the conclave, two votes are held in the morning and two in the afternoon, for a maximum of four votes per day. If after several days a decision is not reached, pauses for reflection and moments of community prayer are planned to help the cardinals find inspiration.

How the proclamation of the new pope takes place

Once elected, the new Pope must officially accept the office. After acceptance, he is dressed in the papal robes and led to the Loggia delle Benedizioni, above St. Peter's Square.

Here the cardinal protodeacon appears to pronounce the famous formula: “habemus papam“, announcing to all the name and new pontifical title of the elected Pope.

Here are the key moments of the conclave

• Opening of the vacancy
• General Congregations of Cardinals
• Entrance of the Cardinals into the Sistine Chapel
• First secret ballots
• Any black smoke
• White smoke
• “Habemus Papam” announcement and presentation of the new Pontiff