Pope Francis’ death begins to move the elaborate, centuries-old procedures of the Catholic Church to elect a new Pope.
The Vatican has detailed laws and rituals that will unfold in the coming weeks to ensure the transfer of power to the new pope after the death of the old pope.
From mourning periods to conclave voting and voting burning, here are what you can expect in replacing the world’s 1.4 billion Catholic leaders.
Sede Vacante: Seats are open
The church now enters a period known as “Sede Vacante,” a Latin phrase translated into “empty seats” or “vacant seats” when the throne of St. Peter is open.
Traditionally, this period can last several weeks as Pope Francis’ body is in the state, his funeral is held, and the Vatican prepares for a closed door meeting to elect his successor.
During this time, Cardinals University will take over temporarily and assume limited authority – led by Camerlengo or Chamberlain.
Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the current Camerlengo of the Church, will be responsible for the administration and finances of the Sacred Sea, now known as the government of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Farrell also oversees the certification of Francis’ death, seals off the Pope’s apartment and prepares for his burial.
Major decisions regarding the Vatican will be held back.
Conclave
Under Vatican procedures, the “conclave” (the conference where the Cardinals vote for the next clergy) must begin 15-20 days after Pope Francis’ death.
The meeting will be held in the Sistine Chapel, a famous hall within the Vatican decorated with paintings of Michelangelo, where the Cardinals make secret oaths before sealing the door.
Once the Conclave begins, the Cardinals are not allowed to leave the Vatican until they choose a new Pope.
They sleep at the Casa Santa Marta Hotel on the Vatican grounds, and have no access to the phone, internet or newspapers.
Of the 253 cardiacs, only 138 can serve as conclave electors – rising from the previous 120 limit – Cardiacs over 80 cannot participate in the vote.
White smoke or black?
The Cardinals will hold two voting sessions daily until one candidate has more than two-thirds of the vote.
They prayed and voted secretly by placing the voting cards on the big golden holy grail. The card contains the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum pontificem” (which means “I choose as the best Pope.”
In the past, voting sessions have been held, allowing large crowds to flock around St. Peter’s Square, allowing you to continue looking at the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
If the majority is not reached, the voting card will be placed in the stove and burned with additives that produce black smoke.
If the majority does not reach within three days, the session will be suspended for one day. The process then continues again in the same format until a new Pope is chosen.
There’s a Pope!
Once the majority vote is finally reached, the secret vote is burned with additives that produce white smoke.
Behind the locked room, the new Pope is asked whether he will accept his position and what name he wants to take.
He then sits on the throne within the chapel, file one at a time for the other cardinals to swear obedience to the new Pope.
Soon after, the Deacon Senior Cardinal comes out on the main balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral to reveal the identity of the next leader of the church.
Afterwards, Pope Francis’ successor comes out on the balcony, where he delivers his first public greeting and congratulates the crowd below.
With post wire
