By Isaac Atunlute
On April 21, the world was thrown into mourning as news of Pope Francis’s death was announced from the Vatican. In the wake of his passing, preparations have begun for a conclave—a locked-door meeting of cardinals tasked with the selection of a new pontiff to lead the Catholic Church.
The choosing of a new pope is a deeply spiritual process rooted in centuries of tradition. While millions of Catholics will soon gather in St. Peter’s Square to witness the telltale white smoke rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, very few Catholics are familiar with the chain of rituals that happens before a new pope is selected. Here’s what to know about this symbolic moment.
The Interregnum: “Sede Vacante”
When the pope passes away, the Church launches into a condition known as “sede vacante” (Latin for the seat is vacant). A new pope can be chosen only when the papacy is vacant. This can happen on the basis of two events—after the death of an incumbent pope, which has continued for centuries, or on resignation. In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to resign.
The Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, officially declares the pope dead and oversees the administration of the Holy See during this interregnum. One of his duties is the symbolic destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, signifying the end of the jurisdiction of the late pope.
Pre-Conclave Preparations
Over the following days, General Congregations take place in Rome with the College of Cardinals. In these meetings, the business of the Church is heard, and cardinals can discuss potential candidates. Only cardinals under the age of 80 years are eligible to vote, and 138 electors representing 71 countries are present in this conclave.
A Cloistered Assembly
The conclave meets in the Sistine Chapel within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death. Cardinal electors are isolated within the Vatican to vote by secret ballot. The conclave—from Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”—describes the isolation imposed on them. Typically, they swear an oath of secrecy and are kept away from external communication until a new pope is chosen.
“The conclave is not an election; it’s a profound spiritual process seeking divine guidance for the future of the Church,” says John Paul, a parish priest based in Abuja.
The Voting Process
Voting begins with a solemn oath and daily masses. A two-thirds majority is required for the election. There are a maximum of four ballots per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Ballots are burnt after every vote in a special stove. The colour of the smoke is typically used to depict the result of the poll:
- Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been made.
- White smoke (fumata bianca) denotes a successful election.
Acceptance and Announcement
Once a chosen successor has attained the necessary votes, the dean of the college asks him whether he accepts the job. After confirming his approval, the dean asks him to choose a papal name.
In the sacristy of the chapel, the new pontiff dons the papal vestments. The older cardinal deacon afterwards declares in Latin, “Habemus Papam!” (meaning we have a pope) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
And to the rapturous cheer of crowds at St. Peter’s Square, the new pontiff is introduced to the world.
Pope Francis's death on April 21 triggered the Church's "sede vacante," marking the period when the papal seat is vacant, which occurs after a pope's death or resignation. The Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, officially declared the pope dead and administrates the Holy See during this time. He also performs the symbolic destruction of the Fisherman's Ring, indicating the end of the late pope's jurisdiction.
Leading up to the conclave, General Congregations involving the College of Cardinals are held to discuss Church matters and potential candidates. Only cardinals below 80 years of age can vote, with 138 electors from 71 countries participating. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, involves the cardinals voting in isolation and swearing an oath of secrecy. Each vote requires a two-thirds majority, with results communicated via smoke color—black for no decision and white indicating a successful election.
Once a new pope is elected, the dean of the college confirms his acceptance and invites him to choose a papal name. The newly chosen pontiff dons papal vestments and is announced from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where the phrase "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!") is proclaimed, introducing him to a cheering crowd.
