When a pope dies, the Vatican follows specific rules for selecting his replacement. The College of Cardinals takes charge during this empty seat period called Sede Vacante. They handle regular church business but cannot make major decisions that only popes can make. Most Vatican department heads step down, except for a few key positions, like the Cardinal Camerlengo, who manages finances during this time.
Cardinals from around the world gather in Rome for two types of meetings. All cardinals attend general meetings, even those too old to vote. A smaller group of four cardinals handles daily matters during particular meetings. The cardinals prepare the Sistine Chapel for voting and decide when voting starts. They also destroy the previous pope's official ring and seal before voting begins.
Cardinals under age 80 enter the Sistine Chapel after a special Mass to elect the new pope. They take an oath promising complete secrecy about everything related to the election. Everyone else must leave before voting starts. The cardinals hear a talk about their serious duty before casting their first votes on special ballots.
The voting area stays completely sealed until someone wins with two-thirds of the votes. Cardinals cannot use phones, read newspapers or watch TV during this time. They vote up to four times each day until someone reaches the required number. When that happens, they ask if the winner accepts becoming pope and what name he wants to use.
Right after the new pope agrees, he becomes the church leader with full authority. The cardinals promise to obey him before a cardinal announces the news from St. Peter's balcony with the famous Latin phrase Habemus Papam, meaning We Have a Pope. The new pope then gives his first blessing to the city and world from the same balcony.
Cardinals from around the world gather in Rome for two types of meetings. All cardinals attend general meetings, even those too old to vote. A smaller group of four cardinals handles daily matters during particular meetings. The cardinals prepare the Sistine Chapel for voting and decide when voting starts. They also destroy the previous pope's official ring and seal before voting begins.
Cardinals under age 80 enter the Sistine Chapel after a special Mass to elect the new pope. They take an oath promising complete secrecy about everything related to the election. Everyone else must leave before voting starts. The cardinals hear a talk about their serious duty before casting their first votes on special ballots.
The voting area stays completely sealed until someone wins with two-thirds of the votes. Cardinals cannot use phones, read newspapers or watch TV during this time. They vote up to four times each day until someone reaches the required number. When that happens, they ask if the winner accepts becoming pope and what name he wants to use.
Right after the new pope agrees, he becomes the church leader with full authority. The cardinals promise to obey him before a cardinal announces the news from St. Peter's balcony with the famous Latin phrase Habemus Papam, meaning We Have a Pope. The new pope then gives his first blessing to the city and world from the same balcony.
