how does conclave work

4 hours ago 4

The conclave is the secretive process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope, the Bishop of Rome. Here is how it works:

The cardinals gather in the Vatican, usually residing in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse.
Once the conclave begins, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, where the doors are locked ("Extra omnes!" meaning "Everyone else out!") and they have no contact with the outside world.
They are sworn to absolute secrecy during and after the conclave.
Communication devices and media are banned, and the chapel is carefully checked to prevent any surveillance

Voting begins on the afternoon of the first day with one ballot (called a "scrutiny"), though it is not mandatory.
On subsequent days, up to four ballots are held daily: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Before each voting session, cardinals take an oath to obey the conclave rules.
If no pope is elected after three days of voting, the process is paused for prayer and addresses by senior cardinals; this cycle can repeat with further ballots and pauses.
If no decision is reached after many ballots, a runoff election between the two candidates with the most votes is held, with the candidates themselves excluded from voting

Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a paper ballot, folds it, and places it in a special urn.
Three cardinals serve as scrutineers to count and read the votes aloud.
If the number of ballots does not match the number of voting cardinals, the ballots are discarded and a new vote is held.
A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority (currently about 90 votes if 133 cardinals participate) to be elected pope

When a candidate reaches the required majority, he is asked if he accepts the election and what name he wishes to take.
Once accepted, he immediately becomes pope with full authority.
The ballots are then burned with a chemical additive that produces white smoke, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
If no pope is elected, the ballots are burned with wet straw, producing black smoke to indicate no decision yet

Cardinals who are ill may vote from their rooms; their ballots are collected securely.
The conclave can last from one day to several days; historically, most recent conclaves have lasted less than three days.
Anyone attempting to interfere with the conclave faces excommunication

This process combines ritual, prayer, and strict secrecy to ensure the election of the new pope is conducted fairly and solemnly.