The Vacancy of the Holy See
The world holds its breath. When a Pope’s reign concludes, either through resignation or the passing of a pontiff, global attention turns to Vatican City. It’s a moment laden with tradition, secrecy, and a deep sense of spiritual weight. The process by which a new leader of the Catholic Church is selected is a carefully orchestrated event, governed by rules and rituals that have evolved through centuries. In the wake of such times, many inquire: How do they pick a new Pope? This article delves into the intricate, step-by-step journey, unveiling the mysteries behind the selection of the leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
The need for a new Pope arises when the current one either abdicates his position or passes away. In recent history, the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI offered a modern example of how such a vacancy can occur. Whether through death or abdication, the period that follows is known as “Sede Vacante,” Latin for “the vacant see.” This signals that the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church, is without its leader. During this period, the governance of the Church falls to the College of Cardinals, but with limitations. They can’t make decisions that are normally the sole prerogative of the Pope.
One of the most critical figures during the Sede Vacante is the Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, currently Kevin Farrell. This Cardinal is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Vatican and managing the preparations for the conclave, the meeting where the new Pope is elected. The Camerlengo officially confirms the Pope’s death and seals his private apartments, ensuring no unauthorized access. He also begins the necessary arrangements for the gathering of the Cardinals who will ultimately choose the new pontiff. The question of how do they pick a new Pope truly begins here, with the careful management of the transition period.
Entering the Conclave: Secrecy and Sacred Deliberation
At the heart of how do they pick a new Pope lies the conclave. This closed-door meeting is where the Cardinals gather to deliberate and vote. But who are these Cardinals, and what makes them eligible to participate in this crucial process?
The Cardinals: Princes of the Church
Cardinals are senior members of the Catholic clergy, typically archbishops or bishops, appointed by the Pope. They are considered the closest advisors to the Pope and hold significant positions within the Church’s hierarchy. The title of Cardinal is not necessarily tied to a specific office; it’s an honor bestowed by the Pope.
Electoral Cardinals: Age Matters
Not all Cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave. Church law dictates that only Cardinals under the age of eighty on the day the papacy becomes vacant can participate in the election. This rule ensures that the electors are of sound mind and body to undertake the demanding task of choosing a new Pope.
Cardinal’s Role in Papal Election
As mentioned above, cardinals under eighty years old have the important role of electing the new pope. They come from all over the world and represent the global diversity of the Catholic Church.
Before the Cardinals can begin the momentous task of voting, meticulous preparations must be made. The Sistine Chapel, renowned for its breathtaking Michelangelo frescoes, becomes the sacred space where the conclave takes place. The chapel is carefully prepared, with tables and chairs set up for each Cardinal elector. Modern technology is strictly prohibited; all cell phones, cameras, and recording devices are banned to prevent any leaks or outside influence.
To ensure absolute secrecy, the entire area surrounding the Sistine Chapel is sealed off. No one is allowed to enter or leave without special permission. This complete isolation is meant to protect the Cardinals from external pressures and allow them to deliberate freely, guided by the Holy Spirit. This atmosphere of seclusion is paramount to the integrity of the process: How do they pick a new Pope demands it.
The voting process itself is a time-honored tradition, repeated multiple times each day until a new Pope is elected. The Cardinals follow a strict schedule, attending Mass in the morning before entering the Sistine Chapel. The voting begins in the afternoon.
The Ballots: A Sacred Choice
Each Cardinal receives a ballot with the Latin words “Eligo in Summum Pontificem,” meaning “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.” In complete secrecy, each Cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on the ballot, folds it twice, and approaches the altar.
Placing the Ballot
At the altar, each Cardinal kneels in prayer, then rises and declares aloud: “I call Christ our Lord as my witness, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.” He then places the ballot on a paten (a small plate) and uses the paten to deposit the ballot into a chalice. This ritual is a solemn affirmation of the Cardinal’s conscience and his commitment to choosing the best candidate for the papacy.
Counting and Verification
After all the Cardinals have voted, the ballots are carefully counted. Three scrutineers, chosen by lot, are responsible for counting the votes and ensuring accuracy. Each ballot is unfolded, and the name on it is read aloud. The scrutineers also verify that the number of ballots matches the number of electors to prevent any irregularities.
The Required Majority: Consensus is Key
To be elected Pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. This high threshold underscores the importance of consensus among the Cardinals. If no candidate reaches the required majority after several ballots, the Cardinals continue voting until a Pope is chosen.
One of the most visible symbols of the conclave is the smoke that emerges from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. This signal informs the world whether or not a new Pope has been elected.
Black Smoke: No Decision Yet
If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned along with a chemical compound that creates black smoke. This signals to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square that the voting is inconclusive and the Cardinals will continue their deliberations.
White Smoke: A New Pope Emerges
When a candidate finally receives the necessary two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned without the chemical additive, producing white smoke. This joyous signal announces to the world that a new Pope has been elected. The ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica typically follows, confirming the news. The moment of white smoke is the culmination of the secretive process, answering the age-old question: How do they pick a new Pope?
Accepting the Election and Beginning the Papacy
The election of a new Pope is not final until the chosen Cardinal formally accepts the position.
“Accepto”: A Momentous Declaration
After receiving the required two-thirds majority, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks the elected Cardinal if he accepts the election. If he responds with “Accepto” (I accept), he immediately becomes the new Pope. The second question he is asked is what name will he take?
Choosing a Papal Name: A Symbol of Continuity
The new Pope then chooses a papal name, which is a symbolic act that signifies his connection to his predecessors. He may choose the name of a Pope he admires or one whose legacy he wishes to continue.
The world eagerly awaits the first glimpse of the new Pope.
“Habemus Papam”: The Announcement to the World
After the acceptance, the Cardinal Deacon, the senior Cardinal Deacon, appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims “Habemus Papam!” (We have a Pope!). He then announces the new Pope’s chosen name, sparking cheers and applause from the crowd. The new Pope then appears on the balcony to greet the world and deliver his first blessing, “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world).
The Papal Inauguration Mass formally marks the beginning of the new Pope’s reign.
The Papal Inauguration Mass: A New Beginning
The Papal Inauguration Mass is a grand ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square. During the Mass, the new Pope receives the pallium, a woolen band symbolizing his authority as the shepherd of the Church. He also receives the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of his office as the successor of Saint Peter. This mass marks the transition.
The Legacy of the Process
How do they pick a new Pope? It’s a question that unveils a process steeped in history, tradition, and spiritual significance. From the initial vacancy of the Holy See to the joyous announcement of “Habemus Papam,” each step is carefully orchestrated to ensure the selection of a worthy successor to Saint Peter. The blend of ancient rituals, secret deliberations, and the human element creates a captivating drama that captures the attention of the world. As the new Pope assumes his responsibilities, he faces immense challenges and carries the hopes and prayers of over a billion Catholics worldwide, hoping to lead the Church for many years to come. The next chapter for the Catholic Church has begun.
