The appointment of a pope, known as the papal conclave, is a long-established tradition within the Catholic Church, following strict guidelines to ensure a respectful and orderly transition of leadership.
As outlined in the Code of Canon Law, when a pope passes away or resigns, the College of Cardinals, a group of senior bishops appointed by the pope, assembles in Vatican City to select his successor.
The process begins with general congregations, where the cardinals discuss the Church’s needs and potential candidates.
Once the conclave formally begins, the cardinals are secluded in the Sistine Chapel, isolated from any external communication to preserve confidentiality and prevent outside interference.
Voting takes place through multiple rounds of ballots, with each cardinal writing their choice on a paper bearing the words “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (I elect as Supreme Pontiff). A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope.
After each vote, the ballots are burned; black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney if no decision is made, while white smoke indicates the election of a new pope.
When a cardinal is chosen, he is asked whether he accepts the role. If he agrees, he adopts a papal name and is introduced to the public with the words “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope).
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