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The papal election process begins with a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. This is followed by a dignified procession of
Princes of Church into Sistine Chapel. Here sacred oaths are administered to each elector and associated papal staff to ensure perpetual secrecy of proceedings. Once these tasks are completed, staff members are dismissed and chapel doors are locked forthwith. The conclave (from cum clave, “with a key”) now begins.
Absent any questions on election procedure from Cardinals, balloting begins immediately. Total secrecy is paramount. Each elector casts a single handwritten vote, carrying it forward to be placed in a designated vessel for counting. One by one votes are checked, re-checked and recorded aloud. The ballots are then pierced with a needle and gathered together on one thread to preclude any being misplaced. On first day of conclave, only one ballot is taken. Each subsequent day will include two ballots in morning and two in afternoon, as necessary.
The gathering in Sistine Chapel is not about speeches, debates or discussion. It is about discerning will of Holy Spirit and reflecting that will in a ballot. Throughout this process, Cardinals assemble for each session and vote immediately. Should vote not yield a clear winner, second vote is taken with no delay.
A two-thirds majority is necessary for election. Should number of electors not be divisible by three, then two-thirds majority plus one additional vote are required. Should a pope not be elected in three days, conclave will enter a day of prayer and dialogue. The Constitution then allows for another seven balloting opportunities (three additional days). These are again followed by another day of prayer should no pope be chosen. On several occasions in Church history process of selecting a pope has gone on for years!
Given global presence of papacy, outside world anxiously awaits results of voting. Television cameras remain focused on chimney of Sistine Chapel, awaiting a simple, yet telling, billow of smoke. If no pope is elected during a particular session, all paper ballots are burned along with some straw, giving off black smoke. Success in electing a pope is indicated by all paper ballots being burned alone, resulting in white smoke. Just prior to that moment, two important questions had been asked of man so chosen: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” A positive response is followed by second query, “By what name do you wish to be called?” These answered, newly-elected pope immediately possesses full and universal authority of office.
Once he is duly empowered, Cardinals come forward one by one to offer homage and pledge obedience to new Vicar of Christ. Papal tailors are standing by to outfit His Holiness for official introduction to world. In short order, announcement goes out from Apostolic Palace to crowd in St. Peter’s Square and to world, Habemus papem (“We have a pope”). The new Holy Father steps out onto his balcony and greets faithful while offering his blessing, Urbi et Orbi, “to City and World.”
It has been over twenty-five years since last papal conclave. Technology has taken quantum leaps. Empires have imploded. Kings, presidents and prime ministers have come and gone. Still, Holy Mother Church goes on, protecting and promulgating truth and promise of Jesus Christ. She ensures that line of leadership succession from St. Peter continues through ages by providing world’s Catholics with visible authority. For our part, we extend a welcome and offer a prayer for newest Vicar of Christ and “Servant of Servants of God.”
About the Author: Gary Shirley, his wife, and three children are members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Kennesaw, Georgia, where Gary serves as catechist in the adult education program. Gary is an Archdiocese of Atlanta certified catechist (both PSR and RCIA) with 13 years teaching experience.
