How a new Pope is chosen
The election of a new pope takes place through a papal conclave, a tradition that has been in place for centuries.
As Pope Francis’ health remains critical, Catholics and believers worldwide have been praying for him. Whenever a pope passes away, the Catholic Church follows a well-established process to elect his successor.
The Papal Conclave
The election of a new pope takes place through a papal conclave, a tradition that has been in place for centuries. This process is believed to be guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Who elects the Pope?
The College of Cardinals, made up of senior clergymen from around the world, is responsible for electing the next pope. Only cardinals under 80 years old—known as cardinal electors—can vote. Once a pope dies or resigns, the Dean of the College of Cardinals informs members and calls for a conclave. The cardinal electors then gather in the Vatican and reside at the Domus Sanctae Marthae until a new pope is chosen.
Who can become Pope?
In theory, any Catholic male is eligible, but for centuries, popes have been selected from the ranks of cardinals. There is no age limit for a pope.
The voting process
On the first day of the conclave, cardinals celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel, where the doors are sealed, and the electors swear an oath of secrecy. They are completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, newspapers, or media.
Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with each elector placing their vote in a chalice under Michelangelo’s Last Judgment fresco. A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected. If no decision is reached, black smoke is released from the Vatican chimney. The process continues for multiple rounds, sometimes lasting days, until a new pope is chosen.
Announcing the New Pope
Once a crdinal is elected and accepts the role, white smoke rises from the Vatican chimney, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen. He then selects a papal name, dons his white vestments, and is introduced to the public with the Latin phrase: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”).
The new pope then steps onto the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony and delivers his first blessing to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and beyond.
