Pope Francis He died on Easter Monday at 7.35. “The bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to his father's house. All his life was devoted to the service of the Lord and his church,” the Vatican informed.
The new pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, is selected from the group of cardinals. Cardinals forming the Cardinal College must be younger than 80 years.
The conclave begins between 15 and 20 days after the Pope's death or resignation. This process does not include official presentations of candidates, and the first discussions and polls take place in the lobby.
See also: Pope Francis is dead
Cardinals cast their votes on cards, and their letter should be illegible enough to prevent the voter from identifying.
The clergy during the conclave live in the House of Saint Marta, near the Basilica of St. Piotr.
When is the pope choosing? What does white smoke and “habemus papam” mean?
The conclave is a “top secret” assembly. After voting, the cards are burned, and the faithful are waiting for a sign – White smoke over the Sistine Chapel, which means that the new pope was elected by a 2/3 majority.
After the new pope accepts the choice, it is time for the solemn announcement of “Habemus Papam” (we have a pope) by the cardinal-Subdiacon, i.e. the oldest participant in the conclave. This is a signal for the faithful around the world that the Church has a new leader.
How long does the conclave last? Choice of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Franciszek
A given round is considered to be a selection if at least 2/3 of votes are cast for one candidate.
Karol Wojtyła was elected in the eighth voteby a majority of 99 votes, out of 111 conclave participants. He took the name John Paul II.
October 16 in 1978 at 18.18 from the Sistine Chapel in St. Peter in Rome raised white smoke. At 18.44, Cardinal Pernel Felici appeared on the balcony of the basilica, who announced: “Habemus Papam … Wojtyła.”
Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) was elected in 2005 in the fourth vote, a Francis (Jorge Bergoglio) – in 2013 in the fifth vote.
How long does the conclave last?
The conclave often lasted several days or even months. In 1978, when Karol Wojtyła was elected, the conclave lasted three days (from October 14 to 16). In turn, the selection of Benedict VI took two days (from 18 to 19 April), the same as the choice of Franciszek (from March 12 to 13).
The longest conclave in history, lasting almost three years, began on November 29, 1268. The prolonged deliberations of cardinals, who could not reach an agreement, prompted the rulers and residents of the Italian city of Viterbo To take firm steps, including closing and limiting food supply, which was to force them to be more strong actions. This is how the conclave institution was born, i.e. the complete separation of cardinals from the outside world until the election of the pope.
