The election of a new Pope, typically held in a conclave, involves specific procedures and participants. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Who Participates?

• Cardinal Electors: All cardinals are summoned to elect a new Pope by the Cardinal Dean or another Cardinal in his name 1 2. They are required to attend unless prevented by sickness or another grave impediment recognized by the College of Cardinals 1 2.
• Exclusions: Cardinals must be legitimately appointed and possess the use of reason to vote 3. A heretic, schismatic, or someone guilty of notorious simony is ineligible 4.
• Age Limit: Cardinals who are over 80 years old are not eligible to participate in the election of the Pope.
• Those Assisting: Besides the cardinals, other individuals are legitimately called to cooperate in the election's orderly functioning 5. The Camerlengo, assisted by a Particular Congregation and the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, are responsible for ensuring the election's privacy and order 6 7. The Vice-Camerlengo, the Auditor General of the Apostolic Camera, and members from the Colleges of Protonotaries Apostolic, Prelate Auditors of the Roman Rota, and Prelate Clerics of the Apostolic Camera also participate in the procession 8.

Where Does it Take Place?

• Location: The election occurs within Vatican City, in designated areas and buildings that are closed to unauthorized personnel 5.
• Sistine Chapel: The election of the Supreme Pontiff takes place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican 6 7. This chapel is secured to maintain total secrecy regarding anything said or done pertaining to the election 6 7.
• Secrecy Measures: Thorough checks are conducted by trusted individuals with technical skills to ensure no audiovisual equipment is secretly installed for recording or transmission 6 7.

How Does the Election Unfold?

• Beginning of the Election: On the afternoon of the first day, the Cardinal electors gather in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace 9 8. In choir dress, they invoke the Holy Spirit with the chant of the Veni Creator and process solemnly to the Sistine Chapel, where the election is held 9 8.
• Voting Procedures: The usual form of election is scrutinium, or secret ballot, where the successful candidate requires a two-thirds vote exclusive of his own 4.
• Possible outcomes: There are four possible forms of election: scrutinium, compromissum, accessus, quasi-inspiratio 4.
• Secrecy: The Sistine Chapel remains an enclosed area until the election's conclusion, ensuring total secrecy 6 7.

Other Important Points

• Oaths: Before voting begins, the cardinals swear an oath before the holy Gospels to elect a person who will benefit the universal church and is suitable for the dignity of the papacy 10. They also swear not to give their vote to anyone aiming to get elected through promises or other means 10.
• Government During Vacancy: During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the Church's government is entrusted to the College of Cardinals for ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed 11.
• Papal Authority: Immediately upon canonical election and acceptance, the elected candidate is the true Pope and can exercise full jurisdiction over the Church 12. A papal election needs no confirmation 12.

In summary, the conclave is a complex process involving the College of Cardinals, strict protocols, and a focus on secrecy to elect the next Pope.