How A New Pope Will Be Elected Following Pope Francis’ Death at 88
The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has triggered the elaborate and centuries-old process of selecting a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.
The responsibility of electing a new pope lies with the College of Cardinals, a group of senior church officials, most of whom are bishops and Vatican dignitaries.
However, not all cardinals are allowed to vote. Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the election process.
Once gathered in Rome, the cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before being secluded inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
This ancient practice, known as conclave, is designed to eliminate external influence and ensure the integrity of the election.
Inside the chapel, cardinals engage in discussions and voting sessions until a new pope is chosen.
Each voting round involves cardinals writing the name of their preferred candidate on a ballot paper. These are collected, counted, and then burnt in a special stove within the chapel. The smoke that rises signals the outcome to the world.
Black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached, while white smoke confirms the successful election of a new pope.
The process continues until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority of the votes.
Once a new pope is elected, he is asked whether he accepts the responsibility. If he agrees, he proceeds to choose a papal name, a symbolic act that reflects the spiritual direction he intends to take during his papacy.
For instance, Pope Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, chose his papal name in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for humility, care for the poor, and environmental consciousness.
After accepting the role and choosing his name, the new pope is dressed in papal vestments and led to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he is introduced to the world. He then gives his first apostolic blessing as pope, marking the official start of his pontificate.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
