Who will be the next Pope? Conclave begins on May 7th
The eagerly awaited choice of the successor of the deceased Pope Francis Starts on May 7th. This was decided by the cardinals gathered in Rome, as the Vatican announced. The churchmen determined the beginning of the conclusion after advice behind the Vatican walls. In the conclave, the cardinals entitled to vote come together in the Sistine chapel.
After Francis’ death on Easter Monday The so -called sedis vacancy began – the time without head of the Catholic Church. In order to determine a successor, all cardinals entitled to vote – the highest dignitaries of the Church – strictly shielded back into the Sistine chapel in the Vatican. Contact to the outside world is prohibited during this time. The conclave is an extremely strictly regulated electoral process.
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A Luxembourg among the Pope voters
However, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from all over the world are entitled to vote – but one canceled his trip to Rome for health reasons. The vast majority (108) of the cardinals entitled to vote has appointed Francis during his lifetime. With Jean-Claude Hollerich, Jean-Claude is also a Luxembourg cardinal among the church men who can vote.
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The conclave can be over after a few hours, but also days or weeks: there is no time limit. The longest choice started in autumn 1268. It was only after two years, nine months and two days with Gregor X. there was a new Pope. In the meantime, however, it is quicker: Francis was chosen in 2013 after a little more than 26 hours and five electoral groups. His predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. From Germany, in 2005, after four rounds.
White smoke means: « Habemus papam »
To choose from, the new Pope needs a two -thirds majority. The first ballot takes place on the first afternoon. The further rhythm then consists of two electoral groups in the morning and two elections in the afternoon.
The Pope is dead. Long live the Pope
The ballot papers are burned after the electoral courses. In the event of unsuccessful voting, black smoke rises from the chimney attached to the roof of the Sistine chapel. After the successful choice, white coloring chemicals are added, so that white smoke rises. This is the sign of people on St. Peter’s Square and all over the world that there is a new Pope. In Latin: « Habemus Papam ».
