The election of a new Pope is a significant event in the Catholic Church, steeped in tradition and governed by specific procedures. Here's a breakdown of what happens from the beginning of the election to the announcement of the new Pope.

Beginning of the Election

1. Location: The election, known as a conclave, takes place within Vatican City, in areas specifically designated and secured to ensure privacy and order 1 2. The Sistine Chapel is central to this process 3.
2. Cardinal Electors: All Cardinal electors, summoned by the Cardinal Dean, are required to attend, unless prevented by illness or another grave impediment recognized by the College of Cardinals 4 5.
3. Procession and Invocation: On the afternoon of the first day, the Cardinal electors gather in the Pauline Chapel and, invoking the Holy Spirit with the chant of the Veni Creator, process solemnly to the Sistine Chapel 6 7.
4. Seclusion and Preparation: The Sistine Chapel is strictly enclosed to maintain secrecy 3. Checks are made to ensure no unauthorized audiovisual equipment is present 3. The interior of the Sistine Chapel and adjacent areas are prepared to facilitate the election 3.
5. Oath and Meditation: After prayers, the Cardinal Dean asks if the election can begin, ensuring all norms and procedures are clear 8. An ecclesiastic delivers a meditation, after which they leave the Sistine Chapel 8.
6. Voting Procedures:
   • The usual form of election is by secret ballot, called scrutinium 9 10.
   • A two-thirds majority is required for a successful election 9 10.
   • Cardinals swear an oath to elect the person they believe is most worthy and beneficial to the Church 11.
   • They also pledge not to engage in any form of bribery or simony 11.
   • Each cardinal submits a ballot nominating a candidate 11.
   • Ballots are counted and, if no one receives the required two-thirds majority, they are burned 11.

Announcement and Acceptance

1. Acceptance: Once a candidate receives the necessary two-thirds majority and accepts the election, he becomes the new Pope 12.
2. Homage and Thanksgiving: The Cardinal electors then approach the newly-elected Pope to pay homage and obedience 13. An act of thanksgiving to God follows 13.
3. Proclamation: The senior Cardinal Deacon announces to the people that the election has taken place and proclaims the name of the new Pope 13 10. The new Pope then imparts the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi from the balcony of the Vatican Basilica 13.
4. Installation: If the elected person is not already a Bishop, he must be solemnly ordained as Bishop before the announcement 13. He enjoys full jurisdiction from the moment of his election 10.
5. Conclusion of Conclave: The conclave ends immediately after the new Pope accepts his election, unless he decides otherwise 12.

The election of a new Pope is not merely a procedural event but is considered an act of the whole Church, with the faithful asked to offer humble and persevering prayers for the enlightenment of the electors 14.