The new pope is elected through a secretive process by the Papal Conclave, which is a gathering of the senior most clergy. The method has evolved over centuries.
Here’s what it involves:
THE PAPAL ELECTION PROCESS:
- Vacancy of the Papal Throne (Sede Vacante):
- Begins when the reigning pope dies or resigns (as in the case of Pope Bendict XVI in 2013.)
- Camerlengo (Carnal Chamberlain) takes charge of Vatican’s administration until a new pope is elected.
- The College of Cardinals converses to discuss the upcoming conclave.
2.Conclave.
- The cardinal-electors (under the age of 80) assemble to vote to elect the new pope in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
- Before entering, the cardinals swear an oath of secrecy.
- All external communication is cut off.
3. Voting Process
- The election follows a two-thirds of majority rule.
- Each cardinal writes their preferred candidate’s name on a paper ballot.
- The ballots are then counted, and the votes are read aloud.
- If no candidates receives the required two-thirds majority, ballots are burned with a chemical to produce black smoke, signaling an successful vote.
- If a pope is elected, the ballots are burned to produce white smoke, signaling a successful election.
4. Duration of the Election
- The process can last anywhere from a day to several weeks from a day to several weeks, depending on how quickly a consensus is reached.
- Historically, some elections took months or even years (In 1268-1271, it took nearly 3 years to elect Pope Gregory X.)
- In modern times, elections are usually completed within a few days.
5. Announcement of the New Pope
- After the election, the pope accepts the position and chooses a papal name.
- The Cardinal Protodeacon announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The new pope gives his first blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World).
EVOLUTION OF THE PROCESS:
- The early popes (1st to 4th centuries) were chosen by local clergy and Roman Christian communities.
- By 11th century, the College of Cardinals became responsible for electing the pope.
- The conclave system was introduced in 1274 by Pope Gregory X to speed up the process.
- Modern refinements include changes made by Pope John Paul II (1996) and Pope Bendict XVI (2007).
CAN A WOMAN BE POPE?
Catholic doctrine allows only baptized men to be ordained as priests, and by extension, as bishops, cardinals, and ultimately the pope. Canon Law (Canon 1024) states: “Only a baptized man can validly receive sacred ordination.” The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus chose only men as apostles, a tradition reinforced by Pope John II in 1994. Since the early Church, no woman has been ordained a priest. While a legend claims a woman, Pope Joan, once became pope disguised as a man, historians dismiss it as a myth. Women, however play key roles in the Church as theologians, abbesses and nuns.
THE REASON POPES CHANGE NAMES:
While new popes traditionally take on a new name, it is not a must for office. Followed for over 1,000 years, the tradition is mainly symbolic, and denoting..
Spiritual Rebirth & A New Mission:
Becoming pope is seen as a new beginning in the service of the church. It echoes how biblical figures (from Simon to Peter and Saul to Paul) took on new names when assuming new role. Popes adopt a name that represents their papacy’s vision.
Continuity & Inspiration:
Many popes choose names of previous figures they admire or wish to emulate. The Argentine Pope Francis took his from St Francis of Assisi, symbolizing humility and care for the poor.
Breaming From Personal Identity:
The pope is no longer a private individual, but the leader of the global Catholic Church. His name signifies a detachment from his former personal and national identity.
Historical Precedent:
The first pope to change his name was Pope John II (533-535). His birth name was Mercurius, named after a pagan Roman god, so he adopted the name of John, a Christian saint. The tradition has continued since then and all popes since the 16th century has served under a new name.
