Choosing a new Pope is a Catholic Church event in tradition and ritual. This process, the papal conclave, unfolds in several key stages following the death or resignation of a Pope.
Death or Resignation of the Pope
The process begins when a Pope passes away or resigns. This event triggers a transition of authority to the College of Cardinals, who govern the Church until a new Pope is elected. The Church enters a period of mourning, typically lasting about 15 days, during which arrangements for the previous Pope’s funeral are made and cardinals travel to Rome to prepare for the conclave.
The Conclave
Once the mourning period concludes, the conclave is convened in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80, known as cardinal electors, are eligible to vote. The number of voting cardinals is limited to 120. The conclave must begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the papal vacancy.
Oath of Secrecy
Before the voting commences, the cardinal electors take an oath of secrecy. This oath is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the election process, preventing external influence and fostering an atmosphere of prayer and discernment.
Voting Process
The voting process is through secret ballots. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes to be elected. If no candidate achieves this majority, they will burn the ballots, producing black smoke to indicate that no Pope has been chosen. This process continues until a candidate receives the necessary votes.
Announcement of the New Pope
Once a cardinal receives the two-thirds majority and accepts the election, he chooses a papal name and papal vestments. The ballots from the final round are on fire with a special mixture to produce white smoke, signalling to the world that a new Pope has been elected. The senior cardinal deacon then announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new Pope to the public for the first time.
Historical Case: The Longest Conclave
A notable historical case occurred during the conclave from 1268 to 1271, which lasted nearly three years. This prolonged vacancy was due to political conflicts among the cardinals, leading to a deadlock in the voting process. To encourage a decision, they blocked the cardinals in the town of Viterbo and served their food by portion. This event prompted reforms in the conclave process to prevent such lengthy delays in the future.
In conclusion, the election of a new Pope is not merely a political process; it is a profound act of faith and tradition, by the Holy Spirit to ensure the Church has a shepherd.
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