Throughout history, the selection of a new pope has been one of the most significant and ritualistic events in the Catholic Church. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the conclave is a highly secretive process where cardinals gather behind closed doors to choose the next leader of the Vatican and the global Catholic community.
What Happens When a Pope Dies?
According to 20minutos, when a pope passes away, the Vatican declares a period known as Sede Vacante, meaning the seat of St. Peter is officially vacant. The Camerlengo, the Church official responsible for managing the transition, certifies the pope’s death and seals his private chambers. The Fisherman’s Ring, the pope’s official seal, is then destroyed to prevent fraudulent use.
Following the death, the Vatican organizes Novendiales, a nine-day mourning period, during which funeral ceremonies take place. Meanwhile, Church officials begin preparations for the conclave, ensuring a smooth transition to the election of a new pontiff.
The Conclave: A Vote Behind Locked Doors
The conclave usually begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. The process starts with a special mass, called Pro Eligendo Pontifice, where the cardinals pray for divine guidance in selecting the next pope.
After the mass, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, where they remain isolated from the outside world. The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning "with a key," symbolizing that the doors are locked until a decision is reached. During the voting process, the cardinals are prohibited from any outside communication, including the use of media or electronic devices, to ensure a completely independent decision.
Voting takes place twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon until a candidate receives at least two-thirds of the votes. Until a pope is chosen, the world watches for the traditional smoke signals—black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope.
While Pope Francis remains in recovery, his advanced age has led to speculation that the Catholic Church may soon face another historic conclave.
