Pope’s election – everyone is waiting for the white smoke

Two to three weeks after the death of the Pope, the conclave in the Vatican gathers to choose his successor. The conclave consists of the cardinals that are under the age of 80, currently 138 of the world’s 252 now living cardinals.

The word conclave comes from Latin cum clave, « With key », and refers to the cardinals being locked up. This is now not entirely true, because even though they spend the days inside the Sixtin chapel, they get to sleep in Domus Sanctae Martae, a guest house very close.

However, it is true that they are completely cut off from the outside world. No phones, no radio or TV may be used. The two doctors and service people who have all in writing promised not to reveal anything about what is happening during the conclave.

A maximum of four times per day Voting the cardinals on a new pope. This is done by writing a name on a paper.

The ballot papers are then counted. If a candidate receives at least two -thirds of the vote, he is elected. If no one gets so many votes, the polls must continue.

After each vote, the ballot papers are burned in an open fire. At the same time, a chemical mixture is also burned that emits black smoke if no new pope is appointed.

During the last papal elections, the process has taken between one and three days. But there is nothing that says it can no longer go out at the time – after Pope Clemens IV’s death in 1268, it took three years for the cardinals to agree.

After the last vote, When a candidate has received enough votes, a chemical mixture is now used that emits white smoke.

Outside at Petersplatsen, thousands of curious are often waiting to see this white smoke rise from the chapel chimney. Shortly thereafter, the Vatican’s first -dipon, the French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, is revealed on the balcony of Peter’s Church and pronounces the words Habemus papam – « We have a pope ».

The new pope then appears on the balcony, while a wind orchestra plays the Vatican City National Hymn. He pronounces the blessing Urbi et orbi – « For the city and the world » – and the Catholic Church have been given a new head.