Conclave: Electing a new pope Following Pope Francis’ death, cardinals are summoned to Rome for a papal conclave—an elaborate and highly secretive ballot process to elect the new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics WHO CAN VOTE? Of 252 members of College of Cardinals, 135 are under age of 80, which makes them eligible to vote Africa North America South America Asia Europe Oceania 4 18 12 17 23 53 During conclave, cardinals reside within Vatican and are not permitted any contact with outside world Domus Sanctae Marthae: Lodgings for cardinals taking part in conclave Cardinals walk every day to Sistine Chapel to vote Balcony Saint Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Square Kevin Joseph Farrell: Cardinal Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, supervises whole election process VOTING PROCEEDINGS 1 Day One: Cardinals celebrate Mass before walking in procession to Sistine Chapel 2 After entering chapel, Cardinals place hand on Gospel and swear oath of secrecy under penalty of excommunication 3 Latin command “Extra Omnes” instructs everyone not taking part in election to leave – Sistine Chapel sealed by Camerlengo and first ballot begins 4 Under inscription in Latin “I elect as Supreme Pontiff” each cardinal-elector writes name of his preferred papal candidate on ballot 5 Each elector approaches altar with folded ballot held up in clear view. After kneeling in prayer, ballot is placed in bronze urn 6 Ballots tallied by three Scrutineers, and names read aloud. Ballots then bound together by needle and thread, each pierced through word “Eligo” Electric air pump: Ensures smoke exits through chimney Stove: Chemicals used to produce black or white smoke SISTINE CHAPEL 1492 Conclave first to be held here. Site of all conclaves since 1878 False floor: Jamming devices hidden under floor prevent cell phones from working Screen, or transenna Door to access Room of Tears Smoke signals vote outcome Ceiling frescos by Michelangelo, completed in 1508-12, depict scenes from Bible’s Old and New Testaments, including “The Creation of Adam” (above) 1 2 3 4 5 6 REACHING A DECISION Pope is elected by two-thirds majority plus one. If no cardinal wins vote, ballots are burned to produce black smoke. White smoke and ringing of bell indicate Pope has been chosen Day Two onwards: Two votes held each morning and two each afternoonIf no decision is reached after 34 ballots, field of competitors is restricted to two candidates who won most preferences in final vote. New Pope is then chosen by simple majority ACCEPTANCE Having given his consent, new pope goes to adjacent Room of Tears, where he changes into papal vestments before receiving pledges of obedience from fellow cardinals HABEMUS PAPAM! Announcement made in Latin: “We have a Pope”. Newly-elected pontiff delivers blessing from balcony of St Peter’s Basilica © GRAPHIC NEWS Source: Vatican Pictures: Getty Images