The process of picking a new pope involves the College of Cardinals, who gather in a secretive meeting called the papal conclave, typically held in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and there are usually around 120 to 135 cardinal electors participating

. Here is how the selection process works:

• Voting Procedure: The cardinals cast secret ballots, writing the name of their chosen candidate on a paper ballot. The ballots are folded and dropped into a chalice. Voting occurs once on the first day (in the afternoon), then twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon on subsequent days until a pope is elected

• Majority Required: To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If the total number of electors is not divisible by three, an additional vote is required to reach the threshold

• Smoke Signals: After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a stove connected to the Sistine Chapel chimney. If no pope is elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke, signaling an inconclusive vote. When a pope is chosen, white smoke is emitted, signaling the election to the world

• Acceptance and Announcement: Once a candidate receives the required votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks if he accepts the election. If he accepts, he chooses a papal name and is vested in papal garments. The senior cardinal deacon then announces "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope") from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, and the new pope gives his first blessing to the crowd

• Additional Details: The conclave is conducted under strict secrecy, and cardinals swear an oath not to reveal details of the proceedings. The process can last from a single day to several days or longer, depending on how quickly a consensus is reached

In summary, the new pope is chosen by a two-thirds majority vote of the cardinal electors during a conclave, with the result announced by white smoke and a public declaration from the Vatican