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The process of electing the Pope is one of the most solemn and secret events in the Catholic Church. It takes place in a conclave, a meeting of cardinals from around the world that takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
The election of the Pope
This procedure follows a series of strictly regulated steps. The conclave is made up of cardinals under the age of 80, who are the only ones entitled to vote.
Currently, the number of cardinal electors is usually around 120, although this figure may vary. The election takes place after the death or resignation of the reigning Pope. Once the Holy See is vacant, the cardinals are summoned to Rome.
After a series of preparatory meetings called 'General Congregations', the electing cardinals move to the Sistine Chapel, where the voting takes place.
During this period, strict isolation is imposed: they cannot communicate with the outside world or receive information, in order to ensure absolute confidentiality of the process. The voting follows a secret ballot system. To be elected, a candidate must obtain a two-thirds majority of the votes.
If in the first round no one reaches this majority, up to four votes are held daily. If after several days no consensus is reached, measures can be taken such as additional debates or even modifying the majority required. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned.
If no agreement has been reached, a chemical is added to the burning of the ballots to produce black smoke, indicating to the faithful that the election has not yet been concluded. When a pope is finally elected, the smoke coming out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is white, signaling to the world that there is a new pontiff.
Once elected, the new Pope is asked if he accepts the office and what name he will adopt. The cardinal protodeacon then announces the result from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with the Latin phrase: "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope). The new leader of the Catholic Church then imparts his first apostolic blessing.