Everything that happens after the Vatican elects a new pope
Topics: Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Religion, World News
Ellie Kemp
Featured Image Credit: DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Catholic Church, Pope Francis, Religion, World News
A new pontiff is yet to be elected following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
With the conclave well underway, we could soon be learning who the new Catholic Church leader is.
Pope Francis was elected after five rounds of voting back in 2013, which is considered pretty speedy nowadays. In contrast, it took 1,000 days for Pope Gregory X to be elected, between 1268 to 1271 - the longest papal conclave in history.
Some 133 cardinal electors are casting their votes this time, with the future pope seeking to secure a two-thirds majority. White smoke will billow out of the Sistine Chapel chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s will ring out once a new pontiff has been chosen.
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But what actually happens after that historic vote is cast?
Once a cardinal receives the required number of votes, he’s asked a simple but weighty question: “Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?”
If he says yes - and why wouldn't he? - he instantly becomes pope. But, of course, that's not all; he also has to pick a papal name (think Benedict, Francis, John, etc.).
That's right, Pope Francis wasn't really called Francis! His birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Moving on, the new Pope is then whisked away to the Room of Tears, which isn't exactly as dramatic as it sounds.
The Room of Tears a small chamber just off the Sistine Chapel where the new Pope changes into his iconic white robes.
The name comes from the emotional reality of the moment, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who wept when elected in 1878, the Catholic News Agency reports.
Anyway, the newcomer needs to dry his tears, as seconds later, he'll be greeting the world as Pope for the first time, from the balcony over St Peter’s Square.
Next, the words 'Habemus Papam!' ('We have a Pope!') are declared.
Seconds later, the new Pope gives his first public blessing, 'Urbi et Orbi', which means 'to the city and to the world'.
In the days that follow, a massive inauguration Mass is held in St Peter’s Square.
Here, the Pope receives two key symbols of his authority: the pallium (a woolen stole) and the Fisherman’s Ring.
There's no coronation anymore - Popes haven’t worn the crown since 1963.
After the fanfare, the real work begins. He takes possession of his cathedral, the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, and meets with Vatican officials.
Then, he starts reshaping the Church’s leadership and priorities.
Whether it’s tackling global crises, internal reforms, or spiritual direction, the new Pope’s path truly starts the moment the white smoke rises.