New rules on what happens upon the death of a pope were determined in a Vatican document in 1996. The February 1996 document Universi Dominici Gregis – which means The shepherd of the Lord’s whole flock – replaced the previous instruction of 1975 which were set down byPope Paul VI.
The 1996 rules were amended slightly in 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI. The title of the new rules is taken from the phrase ‘The Shepherd of the Lord’s whole flock is the Bishop of the Church of Rome, where the Blessed Apostle Peter, by sovereign disposition of divine Providence, offered to Christ the supreme witness of martyrdom by the shedding of his blood.’
When a Pope dies the Chamberlainof the Holy Roman Church ascertains the Pope’s death in the presence of the Papal Master of Ceremonies and a number of other members of the Papal Household. Traditionally he has to call the Pope’s name three times and tap his head with a silver hammer – when he gets no reply he can declare that the Pope is dead.
He notifies the Cardinal Vicar for Rome who in turn notifies the people of Rome.
The Chamberlain seals the Pope’s apartments and begins to make arrangements for the burial. His ring and seal are destroyed to stop any new instructions being approved before another Pope is elected. It is the Dean’s responsibility to inform all the cardinals, the Diplomatic Corps and heads of state.If the Pope has made a will and has named an executor, that executor will give an account of his activities only to the new Pope.
Nine days of official mourning are declared and burial takes place between the fourth and sixth day after death (except for special reasons).Popes are usually buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the body will have lain in State for people to pay their respects.
After the official morning, the cardinals gather for the conclave. Of the 230 cardinals in the world 120 can vote for a new Pope.
The rules from 1975 determines that no-one over the age of 80 can join a conclave. T he College of Cardinals always choose a new Pope from within their own group – a cardinal.
During the conclave, while the decision on a new Pope is made,the cardinals must remain in a sealed-off section of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican with no access to information from the outside world.
There are multiple rounds of voting until a majority is achieved. If a round of voting does not reach a majority the ballot papers are burned – sending black smoke issuing from the chapel chimney.
When a decision is reached chemicals are used to send white smoke from the chimney, and the bells of St Peter’s Basilica are rung. The new Pope must accept their position and chose a Papal name.
The longest conclave ever took three years.