Cardinals will start voting for a new pope on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel. About 180 cardinals met Monday to set this date, though only those under age 80 can vote. The chapel remains closed to visitors during this time. Voters begin with a special Mass before moving in procession to the voting area.
Each cardinal swears to keep the process secret and avoid outside influence. They promise to serve faithfully if chosen as pope. Everyone else must leave when the master of ceremonies says extra omnes. Cardinals pray together before starting their ballots.
All voting happens in the sealed chapel without phone calls or messages. A two-thirds majority elects the new pope. Smoke signals tell people waiting outside about results - black means no decision, white means success. If they need more time, voters take a one-day break after three days.
When someone wins enough votes, they choose their papal name right away. The newly elected pope gains full church authority at that moment. A cardinal announces from the balcony, "Habemus papam—we have a pope." The new leader blesses the crowd from St. Peter's Basilica after his election.
Each cardinal swears to keep the process secret and avoid outside influence. They promise to serve faithfully if chosen as pope. Everyone else must leave when the master of ceremonies says extra omnes. Cardinals pray together before starting their ballots.
All voting happens in the sealed chapel without phone calls or messages. A two-thirds majority elects the new pope. Smoke signals tell people waiting outside about results - black means no decision, white means success. If they need more time, voters take a one-day break after three days.
When someone wins enough votes, they choose their papal name right away. The newly elected pope gains full church authority at that moment. A cardinal announces from the balcony, "Habemus papam—we have a pope." The new leader blesses the crowd from St. Peter's Basilica after his election.
