The Dean of the College of Cardinals, 87-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, summons the cardinals to Rome for the so-called “conclave” that will elect Francisco’s successor.
From 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death, the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote by secret ballot. Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote. Of the current 252 cardinals, most appointed by Francisco, 138 are electoral cardinals, as those authorized to vote are known.
All electoral cardinals must swear an oath of secrecy. A two-thirds majority is necessary to elect a new pope, and politicking is part of the process.
The cardinals cannot leave the conclave, except in rare cases. The word conclave—from Latin “with key”—refers to the isolation imposed on them, meant to prevent the electoral process from dragging on.
During the conclave, the cardinals stay at Casa Santa Marta, which was built by order of John Paul II to replace the improvised lodgings in the papal palace that previously housed them.
How will we know when a pope has been elected?
To follow the progress of the conclave, the curious can look to the sky above the Vatican.
After each vote, smoke is released from a chimney visible from St. Peter’s Square, where crowds usually gather to watch and wait. If a vote ends without a two-thirds majority, the smoke is black.
When a decision is made, the smoke is white.
Inside the Vatican, the dean of the college asks the chosen successor if he accepts the role. After receiving the presumed yes, the dean asks him the name he wishes to be called as pope.
In the chapel’s sacristy, the new pontiff dons a white cassock and a red cape. After greeting the cardinals, he proceeds to a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaims, in Latin, “Habemus papam”. (We have a pope.)
Thus, he presents to the world the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Source: The New York Times