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The weight of succession -

When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church embarks on a deeply sacred and secretive journey to find his successor. This centuries-old process involves ritual, prayer, and meticulous procedures that culminate in the election of the new leader of the Catholic Church.

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The first pope -

The Catholic Church traces its leadership back to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. According to Church tradition, Jesus appointed Peter in 30 CE, and every pope since has inherited that authority in an unbroken line.

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A title’s transformation -

The word "pope" comes from papa, a Latin term of deep respect. Initially, it was used for many Church figures, but by the 6th century the bishop of Rome exclusively claimed it. Over time, papal authority grew, and the position was elevated above all other bishops.

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Papal elections -

Before the 11th century, popes were chosen by popular opinion, which often led to fierce disputes, rival claimants, and even violence. The Church struggled with instability until reforms were ultimately introduced. This ensured a more structured, albeit still mysterious, process for electing the supreme pontiff.

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The ultimate decree -

In 1059, Pope Nicholas II revolutionized papal elections by declaring that only cardinal bishops could vote. This move reduced the interference of Roman aristocrats and lower clergy, and laid the groundwork for the formation of the College of Cardinals, which still governs papal elections today.

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The College of Cardinals -

By 1150, the College of Cardinals had solidified its role as the exclusive body responsible for electing popes. Over time, additional regulations refined the system, including the requirement that electors be sequestered to prevent outside influence and to preserve the sanctity of the process.

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A growing electoral body -

During the medieval period, there were rarely more than 30 cardinals. By 1586, that number grew to 70. In 1975, Pope Paul VI set the maximum number of voting cardinals at 120, which ensured a diverse yet manageable group of electors for the Church’s leader.

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Age matters in the conclave -

In 1970, a new rule barred cardinals over 80 from voting in papal elections. Today, 120 cardinals are eligible to vote, though eight will lose this privilege by the year’s end as they reach the age limit.

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Resignation -

A pope stepping down is almost unheard of. Before Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, the last pope to do so was Gregory XII in 1415. The norm is that popes serve until death, and so voluntary resignations are a dramatic and exceptional event in Church history.

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The conclave countdown begins -

Once a pope vacates his seat, the conclave (the formal election) must begin within 15 to 20 days. This time frame, set in 1922, ensures that cardinals worldwide have time to travel to Rome to take part in the historic and solemn proceedings that will determine the next pontiff.

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Every cardinal is a candidate -

Technically, any voting cardinal is eligible to be elected pope. When they arrive in Rome, they are assigned a local church to oversee, allowing them to perform Mass and subtly introduce themselves to the public before the secretive conclave officially begins.

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The silent campaign -

Unlike political elections, direct campaigning for pope is forbidden. But in the days leading up to the conclave, cardinals engage in quiet discussions, gauging support and influence. The Sunday before the conclave, they celebrate Mass across Rome as a way to draw attention without explicitly promoting themselves.

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Locked away -

Once the conclave starts, cardinals are sealed inside the Sistine Chapel, completely cut off from the outside world. Communication is strictly forbidden to prevent political maneuvering and ensure that the decision is made solely through divine inspiration and deliberation among the Church’s senior leaders.

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A sacred oath of secrecy -

Before voting begins, cardinals swear an oath to uphold the secrecy of the conclave. Only essential attendants (such as security and medical staff) are permitted limited contact. Any breach of confidentiality is considered a serious violation of the conclave’s integrity and divine guidance.

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A vote in three phases -

Each vote follows a three-step process: pre-scrutiny (ballot distribution and preparation), scrutiny (voting in secret), and post-scrutiny (counting and verification). When performed properly, these stages result in a fair and deliberate selection process.

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The first vote -

On the conclave’s first day, an initial vote is cast. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, voting continues up to four times per day. If necessary, cardinals pause for prayer and reflection before resuming the process of selecting a pope.

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A cycle of contemplation and decision -

If no pope is chosen within three days, the cardinals take a full day to pray and reflect. This cycle continues until a resolution is reached. If deadlock persists, the two leading candidates face a runoff, which guarantees that a decision is ultimately made.

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Smoke signals -

Since the outside world is not privy to the discussions happening within the Sistine Chapel, people follow the conclave through smoke signals. Before the conclave starts, a temporary stove and chimney are installed in the Chapel where ballots will be burned.

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Color of the sacred signal -

Black smoke emanating from the chimney means no decision has been reached. White smoke means a pope has been chosen. This centuries-old tradition captures the global attention of millions eagerly awaiting news from the Vatican.

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The mystery behind the smoke -

The exact origin of burning ballots is uncertain, but white smoke as a sign of papal election only dates back to the 19th or early 20th century. Before that, various other means (like verbal decrees or ringing bells) were used to signal whether a new pope had been chosen.

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The Vatican’s smoke formula -

In the past, wet straw or tar was added to ballots to create white or black smoke. But since 2005, the Vatican has used chemicals: potassium chlorate, lactose, and conifer resin for white smoke; potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur for black.

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The moment arrives -

Once multiple rounds of voting have been made and the momentous decision is finally reached, the elected cardinal is asked if he accepts his role as Supreme Pontiff. Upon agreement, he officially assumes the papacy and takes on the responsibility of leading the world’s largest Christian denomination.

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A name that defines a papacy -

The new pope selects a papal name, a tradition reflecting his aspirations and spiritual guidance. The name he chooses is inspired by past pontiffs or saints, and it offers insight into his leadership style and the direction he intends to take the Catholic Church.

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A sacred blessing -

After his election, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivers the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing (Latin for “to the city and to the world”). This powerful moment is considered the official beginning of his papacy, as he prays for the Church and the global community.

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The Fisherman’s Ring -

Each pope receives the Fisherman’s Ring, a historic symbol of his authority as the successor of Saint Peter. The ring is named after Saint Peter, the first pope and a fisherman by trade, and is engraved with the new pope’s chosen name. Upon his death or resignation, it is destroyed.

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Inauguration -

A formal installation ceremony is held in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the pope’s assumption of his new role. Though past popes had elaborate coronations, modern popes have usually opted for simpler ceremonies that emphasize their spiritual mission rather than royal grandeur.

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Antipopes -

Throughout history, there have been times when some factions have rejected the chosen pontiff and elected their own without official recognition, known as an antipope. These rival leaders have typically emerged during times of major political struggle.

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Antipope Felix V -

Felix V (1440–1449) was the last significant antipope, elected by the Council of Basel in opposition to Pope Eugene IV. But his reign lacked broad support, and he ultimately abdicated, which marked the end of the centuries-long era of papal rivalries.

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The mystery that captivates the world -

The papal conclave remains one of the most secretive and fascinating traditions in the modern world. Every time a new pope is elected, it reaffirms a tradition that has spanned two millennia and has ensured that the Catholic Church continues its mission in an ever-changing world.

Sources: (National Geographic) (CNN) (Catholic Church in England and Wales) (Britannica)

See also: This 12th-century prophecy says Francis was the last pope

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