As the Catholic world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, attention turns to the ancient and solemn process of selecting his successor. Pope Francis’ body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing thousands of faithful and dignitaries from around the globe ahead of his funeral and burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major—a break from the tradition of papal interment within the Vatican. With the funeral rites underway, the Catholic Church enters a period known as sede vacante, during which the papal seat is vacant and preparations begin for the election of a new pope.
The responsibility for electing the next pope falls to the College of Cardinals, the highest-ranking officials of the Catholic Church, most of whom are bishops appointed by previous popes. Of the current 252 cardinals, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave, the secretive gathering held within the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. During this interregnum, the College of Cardinals also oversees the day-to-day administration of the Church until a new pontiff is chosen.
The conclave itself is a highly regulated and confidential process steeped in centuries-old tradition. Each day, up to four rounds of secret balloting are conducted, with each cardinal casting a vote for his preferred candidate. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. After each round, the ballots are burned in a stove; black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces to the world that a new pope has been chosen. If no decision is reached after several days, the cardinals may pause for prayer and reflection before resuming voting.
Once a cardinal achieves the necessary majority, he is formally asked if he accepts the election and is invited to choose a papal name, a tradition that symbolizes the new pope’s mission and inspiration. The senior cardinal deacon then steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim “Habemus Papam”—”We have a pope”—before the new pontiff appears to give his first blessing to the city of Rome and the world. This process, unchanged in its essentials for centuries, ensures both continuity and renewal at the heart of the Catholic Church as it enters a new era.
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(Source: USCCB | BBC | Vatican News | CNN)
