How does the Pope become the Pope?

[Guest Guest]

How does the Church decide who will be the next Pope? What steps are taken, etc? Thanks!

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
2/15 - First Tuesday of Lent

The choice of the Pope is one governed mainly by tradition and has its roots in ancient times. Here's the steps in brief...

1.) The old Pope dies. The bells of St. Peter's toll for nine days in mourning.

2.) The announcement is sent to the world that the Holy Father has died. In ancient times, the bishop of a diocese was elected by the priests of that diocese - this custom has been retained in Rome. Instead of the regular priests of Rome, though, the cardinals who are under the age of 80 (who are officially part of the Archdiocese of Rome) elect the Pope. They have between fifteen and twenty days after the death of the Pope to gather at the Vatican.

3.) The Vatican is completely sealed up - bricks, mortar, the whole bit. No one is allowed in or out, save for the Secretary of the Conclave (the Conclave is what the electing body is called).

4.) Every day, twice a day, the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel and cast ballots for the Pope until a Pope is elected.

5.) It takes a 2/3 majority + 1 to be elected Pope, and the man elected cannot vote for himself.

6.) After a man wins a 2/3 + 1 majority, he is approached by the Secretary of the Conclave and asked in Latin, "Do you accept the election which canonically designates you to the Supreme Pontificate?" If he responds, "Volo" (I do), then [i]at that very moment[/i] he inherits the rights, priviledges and duties of the Holy Father. He is then asked, "Quomodo vis vocari?" (What do you wish to be called?) When John Paul II received the Pontificate, he responded, "Ioannes Paulus Secundus".

7.) After his response, he gets gussied up in the Papal garb and receives the cardinals' oath of loyalty. Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Conclave stands on the balcony of St. Peter's and announces to the crowd, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Pontificem - Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum Cardinalem..." (I announce to you with great joy: We have a Pontiff - the Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Cardinal...). Then the new Pope gives his first blessing and address to the gathered crowd.

Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono