The election of a new Pope is one of the most secretive and meticulous events in the Catholic Church, marked by the gathering of cardinals for a conclave to select a successor to the reigning pontiff. The process begins with the cardinal electors, those under the age of 80, entering the Santa Marta guesthouse inside the Vatican, where they are sworn to silence, pledging not to communicate with the outside world during the conclave.
The day starts with a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the cardinals donning their distinctive scarlet cassocks, white rochets, and scarlet mozzettas. They then gather in the Pauline Chapel to invoke the Holy Spirit before proceeding to the Sistine Chapel, where the election will take place. The chapel is thoroughly searched for secret recording devices to ensure complete confidentiality.
Once inside, the cardinal electors take an oath of secrecy and fidelity before the proceedings begin. The master of ceremonies gives the order “Extra omnes,” signaling for all non-voting individuals to leave the room. The election process itself is methodical and symbolic. The electors are given rectangular ballots and instructed to write the name of their chosen candidate for pope. As each cardinal walks to the altar, he declares an oath: “I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.”
The votes are then collected and counted by scrutineers, who ensure that no mistakes are made. If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority after several rounds of voting, the ballots are destroyed, and black smoke signals that the process continues. If a pope is elected, white smoke rises, and the new pontiff is asked to accept his election.
The entire process, shrouded in secrecy and reverence, can last several days, and even weeks if a consensus is hard to reach. Ultimately, it’s a reflection of the Church’s deep commitment to faith, reflection, and divine guidance in selecting its leader.
