When the seat of the pope becomes vacant, the world turns its eyes to the Vatican. But what really happens behind those closed doors of the Sistine Chapel? The answer is a blend of solemn ritual, historical tradition, and strict secrecy.
Who Are the Potential Candidates?
Among the cardinals often discussed as potential successors are:
- Christoph Cardinal Schoenborn of Austria (age 80), a student of Pope Benedict XVI with appeal among conservatives.
- Luis Cardinal Tagle of the Philippines (age 67), appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Vatican’s missionary efforts.
- Matteo Cardinal Zuppi of Italy (age 69), a close ally of Pope Francis and head of the Italian bishops conference.
How Does the Voting Work?
Voting begins in the Sistine Chapel the afternoon after the initial Mass. If no pope is chosen in the first round, the cardinals vote twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon each day.
Each cardinal writes a name on a ballot marked with the phrase: “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”). After solemnly declaring their choice, the cardinal places the folded ballot on a tray and deposits it into a special receptacle.
Three “scrutineers” then check and count each vote. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the ballots are pierced and threaded before the next round begins.
Why Two-Thirds?
Pope Benedict XVI changed the rules to require a two-thirds majority, no matter how long the voting takes. This was done to prevent drawn-out conclaves from ending in slim-majority compromises.
What About Secrecy?
Secrecy is strictly enforced. Pope Benedict strengthened the rules by threatening automatic excommunication for anyone who leaks information or records the proceedings. Cardinals and all assistants must take an oath, swearing perpetual silence.
Cardinals may only be excommunicated if they:
- Accept bribes for their vote,
- Allow political influence,
- Or form voting alliances.
How Do We Know When a Pope Is Chosen?
At the end of each voting session, the ballots are burned in a special stove:
- Black smoke signals no decision.
- White smoke means a pope has been chosen and accepted.
To eliminate confusion, chemicals are added to ensure the smoke color is clear. Bells also ring to confirm the joyous news.
Then, the new pope appears on the loggia above St. Peter’s Square and is introduced with the famous phrase: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”) before delivering his first blessing.
Did You Know? Your Home’s Air Could Be Harming Your Health
While the world watches the Vatican, don’t forget to check what’s happening inside your home. Dirty air filters and neglected AC systems can hurt your health, especially for children and elderly.
That’s why we offer a Free Air Filter Reminder Service. We’ll send you reminders every two months to replace your filter and every six months to schedule a check-up — totally free.
✅ Stay healthy
✅ Save money on AC repairs
✅ Breathe cleaner air