How is the Pope Chosen?

TL;DR

The process of electing a new pope involves the gathering of Cardinals in a locked area of the Vatican, multiple rounds of voting, and a two-thirds majority for a candidate to be elected.

Transcript

when a pope goes to his eternal reward or otherwise retires there are certain traditions that are dusted off each time to elect his successor only the British royal family can rival the Vatican when it comes to seemingly ancient and elaborate rituals so you know it's gonna be a big production for those of you who grew up eating meat on Fridays and ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 The process of electing a new pope involves ancient rituals, strict rules, and elaborate ceremonies.
• 👶 The Conclave is a period of isolation where the Cardinals vote on a new pope.
• 🥡 The secrecy surrounding the papal election is taken very seriously, with Cardinals swearing an oath of absolute secrecy.
• 👶 The method for electing a new pope has evolved over time, with changes made to the voting requirements.
• 🧘 Laymen have been elected to the position of pope in the past, but it is now almost always a cardinal who is chosen.
• 💨 The mixing and burning of ballots are ways to ensure transparency and announce the election of a new pope.
• 📣 The resignation of popes is rare, with the last resignation occurring in 2013 after a gap of over 600 years.
• 😜 Pope Pius II, despite his questionable morals, rose through the ranks of the Church and became a pope known for his writing.

Questions & Answers

Q: How long do the Cardinals have to elect a new pope?

There is no set time limit for the Cardinals to elect a new pope, but in the past, various measures like depriving them of necessities or removing the roof have been taken to expedite the process.

Q: Who is allowed to participate in the papal election?

Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to participate in the papal election. They also swear an oath of absolute secrecy before entering the Conclave.

Q: Can the Cardinals elect anyone as pope?

Technically, the Cardinals can elect any baptized male as pope. However, in practice, it is usually a cardinal who is chosen for the position.

Q: What happens if a clear winner is not apparent after 33 votes?

If a clear winner is not apparent after 33 votes, a simple majority is enough to pick a winner in the subsequent vote.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The rules regarding the election of a new pope have been tweaked over the centuries, but the process generally starts with the Cardinals being called to Rome after the death of the Pope.

• The Cardinals attend general congregations to discuss the state of the Church and best qualities for a new pontiff before entering the Conclave.

• In the Conclave, the Cardinals are locked away and go through multiple rounds of voting until a new pope is elected, with a two-thirds majority required for each round.