The College of Cardinals has convened in a conclave to elect a new Pope, following specific procedures and regulations 1 2. Here's a breakdown of what that entails:

Participants and Requirements

• Cardinal Electors: All cardinals are summoned to elect a new Pope by the Cardinal Dean or another cardinal in his name 3. They are required to attend unless prevented by illness or another grave impediment recognized by the College of Cardinals 3.
• Legitimacy and Presence: Cardinals must be legitimately appointed, have the use of reason, and be present in person to vote 1. This right is acknowledged even if they are subject to ecclesiastical censures or if the solemn ceremonies of their "creation" have yet to be performed 1.
• Qualifications of the Pope-Elect: While typically a cardinal is elected Pope, any male Christian who has reached the use of reason can be chosen 1 4. However, a heretic, schismatic, or notorious simonist cannot be elected 1.

Conclave Procedures

• Secrecy and Setting: The election takes place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, which remains an enclosed area until the election concludes 2. Strict checks are conducted to ensure no audiovisual equipment is installed for recording or transmission 2.
• Preparations: The Camerlengo, assisted by the Particular Congregation and with outside assistance from the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, makes arrangements for the Sistine Chapel to ensure an orderly and private election 2.
• Beginning of the Election: After prayers and a meditation, the Cardinal Dean asks the College of electors whether the election can begin or if there are doubts about the norms and procedures 5. No modifications or replacements to the substantial norms and procedures are permitted 5.
• Voting Process: The usual form of election is scrutinium, or secret ballot, where the successful candidate requires a two-thirds vote exclusive of his own 1.
• Oath: Before voting begins, each cardinal swears to elect the person who they believe will be beneficial to the universal Church, and that they are not aiming at getting themselves elected 6.

Post-Election

• Acceptance and Proclamation: The conclave ends immediately after the new Supreme Pontiff accepts the election, unless he determines otherwise 7. From that moment, he can be approached by officials to discuss important matters 7.
• Announcement: The senior cardinal-deacon proclaims the new Pope to the people 1.
• Installation: If the Pope-elect is not a bishop, he must be consecrated at once by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia 1. If already a bishop, only a solemn blessing takes place 1. The Pope enjoys full jurisdiction from the moment of his election 1.

The election of a Pope is a sacred and complex process, steeped in tradition and governed by strict regulations to ensure the selection of a worthy successor to St. Peter 1 6.