When white smoke rises over the Vatican, the world holds its breath. But what really happens behind those closed doors? Discover the ancient, secretive process that decides who will lead over a billion Catholics.

• Sede Vacante marks the pope’s death and pause in Church leadership.

• Cardinals meet in a secret conclave to vote.

• A two-thirds majority is required to elect the pope.

• Black smoke means no pope, white smoke means success.

• The new pope is announced with “Habemus Papam!”

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Step 1: The Period of Mourning

Devotees mourn Pope Francis

Following the death of a pope, the Catholic Church enters a mourning period known as Sede Vacante, which means “the seat is vacant” in Latin. During this time, all major decisions are put on hold until a new pope is chosen. The Camerlengo (currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell) oversees the daily affairs of the Vatican during this interim period.

Step 2: Preparations for the Conclave

After the funeral rites of the late pope are completed, usually over nine days of official mourning, the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave. The conclave is a closed-door gathering held in the Sistine Chapel, where a new pope is elected in strict secrecy.

The word conclave comes from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning “with key,” referring to the cardinals being literally locked inside until the election is complete.

Step 3: Who Can Be Pope?

In theory, any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope. However, in practice, the pope has always been chosen from among the cardinals. There are currently 120 cardinal electors eligible to vote, and the winning candidate must receive a two-thirds majority.

Step 4: The Voting Process

Each day, the cardinals conduct up to four rounds of secret ballot voting. After each round, the ballots are burned:

• Black smoke means no one has been elected.

• White smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.

This smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney is the iconic moment that the world watches for.

Step 5: “Habemus Papam!”

When a cardinal receives the required number of votes, he is asked the sacred question, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he accepts, he selects a papal name, changes into the traditional white vestments, and is introduced to the public from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words:

“Habemus Papam!” — We have a pope!

Fun Fact: Technology and Modern Secrecy

The Vatican takes extraordinary measures to ensure the conclave remains confidential. This includes using jamming devices, conducting electronic sweeps, and banning mobile phones throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

The election of a new pope is one of the most sacred and secretive events in the world. It blends ancient rituals with the heavy responsibility of choosing a spiritual leader for over a billion Catholics. As the Church prepares to select the successor to Pope Francis, people around the globe once again await the moment when white smoke rises above the Vatican.

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