HOW IS THE NEW POPE CHOSEN?
By The Scope Unbound | World Affairs |
April 2025
The world is mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a
spiritual leader known for his humility and global influence. As headlines
spread, many are asking a simple but important question: What happens next?
Even if you're not Catholic, the process of choosing a
new pope is fascinating—and deeply symbolic. Here's a clear and simple look at
how the Catholic Church goes from the death of a pope to welcoming a new one.
Step 1: The Seat Is
Vacant
When a pope passes away, the Catholic Church enters a
special period called sede vacante, which means “the seat is vacant.”
The pope's official items, like his unique ring, are sealed away to prevent
misuse, and the Church prepares for a new chapter.
A senior church official, called the Camerlengo,
confirms the pope’s death and temporarily takes over certain administrative
duties. But the Church has no spiritual leader until a new pope is chosen.
Step 2: The Cardinals
Gather
Next, cardinals from around the world travel to Vatican
City. Cardinals are the senior leaders of the Church, and only those under 80
years old are allowed to vote.
They gather for a private election process called the Conclave,
where they’ll pray, reflect, and eventually vote on who should become the next
pope.
Step 3: Locked in to
Vote
The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel—yes,
the one with Michelangelo’s famous ceiling. Once inside, the cardinals are cut
off from the outside world: no phones, no internet, no interviews. The goal? To
focus entirely on choosing a worthy leader.
Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate
on a ballot and places it in a special container. This happens up to four times
a day until a winner is selected.
Step 4: Smoke Signals
from the Vatican
This is where it gets symbolic.
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. The
smoke rising from a chimney on the chapel roof tells the world what happened:
- Black smoke means no pope yet.
- White smoke means a pope has been chosen.
Crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the
chimney, waiting for that moment of white smoke.
Step 5: A New Pope Is
Chosen
When a cardinal receives at least two-thirds of the
votes, he’s asked a powerful question:
“Do you accept your election as pope?”
If he says yes, he chooses a new name—usually inspired
by a past pope or saint he admires. Then, the world hears the historic words:
"Habemus Papam" — We have a
Pope!"
Soon after, the new pope steps out onto the balcony and
delivers his first blessing.
Why It Matters
The pope is not just a religious figure. He’s a voice
for peace, a symbol of unity, and a moral guide for millions of people around
the world. The choice of the next pope will shape conversations on global
issues, interfaith dialogue, and the future of the Church.
So as the Vatican prepares for this sacred transition,
the world watches and waits—for a puff of white smoke, a new face on the
balcony, and the start of a new chapter in history.
📌 Stay tuned to The
Scope Unbound for updates on the conclave and the next leader of the Catholic
Church.