The article explains the process of electing a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. The conclave, where cardinals under 80 vote, is scheduled to begin May 7. Any male in good standing with the church can be elected pope, though it's usually a cardinal. The College of Cardinals, excluding those 80 or older, chooses the pope, with 135 eligible voters at the time of Pope Francis' death. The election must occur between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death or resignation.
9 days ago
The next Pope will be elected by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church who are under the age of 80 1. While typically a cardinal is chosen, any male in good standing with the church can be elected, even a layman, though a heretic or schismatic is forbidden 1. As of Pope Francis's death, 135 of the 252 cardinals were eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, scheduled to begin May 7 1.
The conclave, derived from Latin meaning "with key," is the enclosed meeting where cardinals elect the Pope 1. Cardinals are forbidden from communicating with the outside world during the election 1. Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with cardinals taking an oath of secrecy before beginning 1. Ballots are burned after each voting round; black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signals the election of a new Pope 1. A two-thirds majority is required for election; if no decision is reached after multiple ballots, the process may be suspended for prayer and reflection 1.
During the period between Popes, known as the "Apostolic See," the Church is overseen by the cardinal camerlengo and the College of Cardinals 1. The camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, handles ordinary church business and emergency matters, with the election of a new Pope as the priority 1. Upon election, the new Pope announces their chosen name and receives allegiance from the cardinals, immediately assuming responsibility for governing the Church 1.
Here are answers to ten frequently asked questions about electing a Pope, based on Catholic teachings:
The right to elect the Roman Pontiff belongs exclusively to the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church . However, Cardinals who have reached their eightieth birthday before the day the Apostolic See becomes vacant do not have the right to elect . The maximum number of Cardinal electors should not exceed 120 . The universality of the Church is expressed in the composition of the College of Cardinals, with members coming from every continent .
Cardinals over eighty years of age do not participate in the election to avoid adding the burden of choosing the next leader of the Church to their venerable age . However, they can participate in the preparatory meetings of the Conclave .
Yes, historically, laymen have been elected Pope, such as Celestine V in 1294 . Even the election of a married man would be valid . However, the election of a heretic, schismatic, or female would be null and void .
The person nominated must possess the qualifications of a bishop . They must be at least thirty years of age . For cardinal-deacons, it suffices to have entered on the twenty-second year, but they must receive deacon's orders within a year, or they lose both passive and active vote . Illegitimates, even when legitimated by later marriage, are generally ineligible .
During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the government of the Church is entrusted to the College of Cardinals for ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed . Matters that fall under the power of the Roman Pontiff alone are excluded . All heads of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia cease to exercise their office, except for the Camerlengo of Holy Roman Church and the Major Penitentiary, who continue their functions .
A conclave is a closed room or hall set aside for the cardinals when electing a pope, and also refers to the assembly of the cardinals for this purpose . The conclave, in its present form, dates from the end of the thirteenth century . The Conclave for the election of the Supreme Pontiff takes place within Vatican City .
The Conclave for the election of the Supreme Pontiff takes place within the territory of Vatican City, in determined areas and buildings, closed to unauthorized persons . This arrangement ensures suitable accommodation for the Cardinal electors and all those legitimately called to cooperate in the election's orderly functioning .
Each cardinal deposits his vote in a chalice on the altar and takes an oath, testifying that they are electing the one they believe should be elected according to God . Three cardinals are chosen by lot to preside over the voting, three others to control the count, and three others to collect ballots of the sick and absent cardinals .
The conclave opens officially on the evening of the tenth day after the pope's decease, unless another day has been assigned . Every precaution is observed to exclude those who have no right within the enclosure and to prevent unnecessary communication with the outside .
The Conclave ends immediately after the new Supreme Pontiff assents to his election, unless he determines otherwise . From that moment, the new Pope can be approached by officials needing to discuss important matters with him .
In summary, the election of a Pope is a complex process governed by specific rules and traditions, involving the College of Cardinals. The process ensures the selection of a new Pope who will lead the Catholic Church.