Election of the New Pope in the Sistine Chapel: How It Works

The papal conclave, held in the iconic Sistine Chapel, is one of the most secretive and sacred traditions in the Catholic Church. Here’s how the election of a new pope actually happens, step-by-step.

When the Holy See becomes vacant either due to the death or resignation of a pope the Catholic Church initiates a highly structured and deeply symbolic process to elect a new leader. This sacred event, known as the papal conclave, takes place inside the world-renowned Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. But what exactly happens behind those closed doors, and how is a new pope chosen? Let’s explore the process in detail.

What Triggers a Papal Conclave?

A papal conclave is called when the Petrine See is empty. This usually happens upon the death of a pope, but it can also occur through resignation, as seen in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down. Following this, the College of Cardinals a body composed of senior Church officials convenes to elect a successor.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, typically numbering around 120. The process is governed by a set of rules codified in apostolic constitutions, most recently updated in Universi Dominici Gregis by Pope John Paul II and modified by Pope Francis.

Preparations Before the Vote

Prior to entering the conclave, the cardinals attend a period of mourning and reflection called the General Congregation. During this time, they also discuss the state of the Church and potential candidates, though no formal campaigning is allowed.

On the day of the conclave, the eligible cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel while chanting the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come, Creator Spirit”), invoking divine guidance.

Sealing the Chapel: “Extra Omnes!”

Once inside the chapel, a papal master of ceremonies utters the phrase “Extra omnes!” meaning “Everyone out!” to expel all non-cardinals from the room. The doors are then locked, and the cardinals remain in near-total isolation until a new pope is elected. No communication with the outside world is allowed.

The Voting Procedure For New Pope

The voting method is known as scrutiny, and it is done in secret. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Ballot Distribution: Each cardinal receives a rectangular ballot.
2. Writing the Name: Cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate on the ballot in disguised handwriting.
3. Oath: Before casting the ballot, each cardinal swears, “I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge…”
4. Casting the Vote: They then walk up to the altar and place their ballot into a chalice or urn.
5. Counting and Checking: The ballots are counted and read aloud. If no one receives the required two-thirds majority, the process repeats.

Typically, four votes are held per day two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Smoke Signals: Black or White?

After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Chemical additives are used to produce either:

• Black smoke (fumata nera) – no pope elected.
• White smoke (fumata bianca) – a pope has been chosen.

The smoke is seen rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling the outcome to the waiting world. A bell is also rung to confirm white smoke.

Habemus Papam: We Have a New Pope!

Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes, he is asked two questions:

1. “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
2. “By what name shall you be called?”

If the chosen cardinal accepts, he becomes the new pope immediately. He is then led away to don the papal vestments, which are kept in three sizes to fit whoever is chosen.

Shortly after, the Senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims:

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
(“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”)

The newly elected pope then emerges to give his first blessing: Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World).

Conclusion

The election of a new pope is a fascinating blend of ancient ritual, strict secrecy, and divine discernment. Though cloaked in mystery, it is designed to reflect unity and continuity for over a billion Catholics worldwide. Whether you view it spiritually or historically, the papal conclave remains one of the most compelling ceremonies in the modern religious world.

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🏷️ Tags: Vatican, Pope, Papal Election, Sistine Chapel, Catholic Church, Conclave, Habemus Papam, Vatican City, Religion, Church Tradition