The death of a pope triggers a series of well-defined procedures culminating in the election of a new pope by a conclave of cardinals. Here's a breakdown of how the cardinals prepare for this important event:

Actions Following the Pope's Death

• Verification of Death: The cardinal camerlengo, representing the Sacred College, officially verifies the Pope's death 1. This involves striking the forehead of the deceased Pope three times with a silver mallet and calling him by his baptismal name 1.
• Formal Declarations: The fisherman's ring and papal seals are broken, and a notary prepares a legal document confirming the Pope's death 1.
• Notification and Mourning: Cardinals are informed of the Pope's death and those in Rome await the arrival of others, while attending obsequies for the deceased Pope over nine days 1.

Preparations by the College of Cardinals

• Governance During Vacancy: The College of Cardinals is entrusted with governing the Church solely for ordinary business and matters that cannot be delayed, as well as preparing for the election of the new Pope 2. They must operate within the limits defined by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis 2.
• Congregations: The cardinals hold meetings to address important matters. The cardinal dean (or subdean, or senior Cardinal elector) presides over these congregations 1 3. These congregations occur in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, or another suitable location 3.
• Oaths and Appointments: During the first congregation, the cardinals swear to observe the Constitutions governing the conclave 1. They also appoint or examine various officers of the conclave, including conclavists, confessors, physicians, and servants 1.
• Conclave Location: The conclave occurs within Vatican City, in designated areas that are sealed off to ensure accommodation for the Cardinal electors and those legitimately assisting with the election 4.
• Exclusion of External Influence: To prevent external influence, papal legislation forbids "capitulations," or pre-election agreements that would bind the new pope 1. Cardinals are also prohibited from discussing the papal succession while the Pope is alive; however, the Pope can discuss the matter with them 1.

Cardinal Electors: Who Participates?

• Eligibility: All true cardinals have the right to vote in the conclave if legitimately appointed, of sound mind, and present in person 1. This right is acknowledged even if they are subject to ecclesiastical censures or if their "creation" ceremonies are incomplete 1.
• Obligation: Cardinal electors are required to obey the convocation to elect a new Pope, unless prevented by illness or another grave impediment recognized by the College of Cardinals 5.
• Entering the Conclave: The conclave officially begins in the evening of the tenth day after the Pope's death, unless a different day is assigned 1. Precautions are taken to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering and to limit outside communication 1.

Beginning of the Conclave

• Mass and Allocution: On the morning of the eleventh day, the cardinals gather in the Pauline Chapel for Mass celebrated by the cardinal dean 1. They receive Communion and listen to an allocution in Latin about their duty to choose the most worthy candidate for the papacy 1.
• Secrecy: All those involved in the conclave, including the cardinals and their assistants, are sworn to secrecy and not to impede the election process 1.

The preparations for a conclave are extensive, governed by strict rules and traditions to ensure the proper and unbiased election of the next Pope.

Concluding the Conclave

The conclave concludes immediately after the new Supreme Pontiff accepts the election, unless he decides otherwise 6.