Amid concerns about Pope Francis’ health being described as “critical condition”, speculation is likely to have already begun within the Vatican regarding his potential successor. The Vatican provided an update, noting that he had a “peaceful night”.
The 88-year-old pope, who had a section of lung removed as a young man, was left in critical condition after he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection. The pope was given ‘high flows’ of oxygen to help him breathe.
He was also given blood transfusions after test results showed low counts of platelets, the Vatican said in a late update. Since becoming the 266th Pope in 2013, Francis has been lauded for his efforts to make the Church more inclusive both in words and actions. But what happens when it’s time to choose a new leader?
Here’s an essential guide to the election of the 267th Pope, a tradition with roots stretching back to the 13th century.
Who gets to vote?
Only cardinals who are younger than 80 years old are eligible to cast their vote.
As of January 22, 2025, there were 138 cardinals who met this criterion, although in the past, some have been unable to participate due to illness or other reasons, reports the Daily Star.
What does the ritual involve?
The conclave begins with the “Pro eligendo Romano Pontificie” Mass, dedicated to the election of the Pope. On the first afternoon, the cardinals assemble in the Pauline Chapel within the Apostolic Palace before processing into the Sistine Chapel, reciting the Litany of Saints and singing “Veni Creator,” seeking guidance from the saints and the Holy Spirit in their decision-making.
Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s “Creation” and in front of his “Last Judgment,” each cardinal swears an oath on the Gospels, promising “with the greatest fidelity” to keep the proceedings of the conclave secret – essentially upholding a sacred non-disclosure agreement.
A contemplative discussion on the essential attributes for the forthcoming pope and the imminent challenges facing the church is presented. The ceremony’s overseer then proclaims “Extra omnes,” which translates from Latin to “all out.”
At this command, everyone but the cardinal electors departs, setting the stage for the commencement of the voting process.
How does the voting take place?
Each cardinal records their nominee on a slip bearing the inscription “Eligo in summen pontificem,” meaning “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.” They proceed to the altar individually, declaring: “I call as my witness, Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who, before God, I think should be elected.”
The folded ballot is then placed upon a circular plate and slid into an oval urn adorned with silver and gold. Historically, a singular chalice was employed for ballot collection.
After casting their votes, the ballots are methodically opened by three appointed “scrutineers,” who tally the names and announce them audibly. Cardinals have the option to keep track of the count on a sheet of paper provided, yet they must surrender their notes for incineration once the voting concludes.
The scrutineers are responsible for totaling the outcomes of each voting session and documenting the results on a distinct piece of paper, which is subsequently stored within the papal archives.
As the scrutineer announces each vote, he punctures every ballot with a needle through the word “Eligo” and secures them together with thread, finishing with a knot. These ballots are later burned in the chapel’s stove, with chemicals added to create either black or white smoke, signalling the election’s progress.
After the initial day, up to four voting sessions can take place daily, requiring a two-thirds majority for a decision. If no pope is chosen after three days, the process pauses for a maximum of one day.
Voting then continues, and if still unresolved after seven more ballots, another pause ensues, repeating until approximately 12 days have elapsed. According to rules set by Benedict XVI before his resignation, the cardinals eventually enter a runoff between the two leading candidates, with a two-thirds majority needed to win; these candidates do not vote in this final stage.
What happens after a new pope is chosen?
Once a cardinal accepts his election as Supreme Pontiff, the master of liturgical ceremonies enters the Sistine Chapel, and the senior cardinal inquires: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
Upon agreement, the cardinal elect is asked: “By what name do you wish to be called?” The master of liturgical ceremonies records the response on an official document. Then, white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney, and St Peter’s bells ring out.
The newly elected pope dons his papal white cassock and receives the cardinals’ oaths of allegiance individually.
Before the new pope steps onto the balcony, the protodeacon, French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, precedes him to make the famed declaration “Habemus Papam! “—the Latin announcement meaning “We have a pope”. He then introduces the fresh pontiff to the world in the same ancient language.
Following this, the newly elected pope appears before the public to impart his inaugural words as the leader of the Catholic Church.