Papal conclave: The step-by-step process used to elect new pope to succeed Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has people around the world mourning – and inevitably wondering who his successor will be.
The pope’s initial diagnosis of bronchitis on Feb. 14 deteriorated to pneumonia in both lungs four days later. He returned to the Vatican, but remained in frail health. Church officials announced his death early Monday.
Francis was the 266th pope in the 2,000-year-old Roman Catholic Church, served for 12 years. Now, the papal conclave – the process to elect a new pope, held behind locked doors in the Sistine Chapel – will be ready, just as it has been for centuries.
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What happens when a pope dies?
- Mourning period: When a pontiff dies, a nine-day mourning period, called novemdiales, the Latin term for “nine days,” takes place. Masses and funeral rites are conducted, and prayers are offered for the pope.
- Lying in state: The pope’s body is put on public view for several days at St. Peter’s Basilica, the church in Vatican City in Rome.
- Funeral: The pope’s funeral is held within novemdiales, four to six days after his death. The funeral is held outside, in St. Peter’s Square. The outdoor venue allows large numbers of mourners to pay their respects.
- Burial: Instead of being interred in the Vatican Grottoes beneath the Basilica, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
How the papal conclave elects a new pope
Cardinals vote for the pope – in secret
"Conclave" comes from the Latin word conclavium. It means "a room that can be locked up," emphasizing the secrecy and confidentiality of papal selection process.
A conclave begins 15 to 20 days after the pope's death.
Before the conclave, each cardinal places a hand on the book of the Gospels and pledges to follow the conclave rules and secrecy, which bans communication with the outside world, including news or messages.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to vote. Of the 252 cardinals worldwide, 138 are eligible to vote in this conclave.
What are the requirements to become pope?
In order to be considered for the papacy, a candidate has to be:
- A baptized Catholic.
- Male.
- A member of the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals (usually).
Cardinals are also usually bishops. If a non-bishop is chosen, he would be ordained a bishop before becoming pope.
SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Reuters; catholicsbible.com; catholic-hierarchy.org; basilicasanpietro.va; Archdiocese of Toronto; vatican.va; Catholic World Report; loyolapress.com
This story was updated to add new information.