WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE POPE DIES?

***WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE POPE DIES?*** Day 1 – Death of the Pope * The Camerlengo (chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church) officially verifies the pope’s death. * The Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring and seal are destroyed to prevent forgery. * The See of Peter (Sede Vacante) officially begins—no pope, so no one leads the Church Days 1–9 – Mourning and Funeral Rites * The pope’s body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica. * A funeral Mass is held 4–6 days after death. * Novemdiales: Nine days of mourning with special Masses and prayers are held. Days 1–15 (or up to 20) – Preparation for the Conclave * Cardinals under age 80 (usually around 120) are summoned to Rome. * Daily General Congregations of cardinals are held to manage Church affairs and prepare for the conclave. * The Sistine Chapel is prepared: cleaned, sealed off, and secured to ensure secrecy. * Cardinals are housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House), a Vatican residence. Day 15–20 – Conclave Begins * The conclave starts no sooner than 15 days after the pope’s death, no later then 20, unless shortened by papal decree or all cardinals are present. * Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel and take an oath of secrecy. * The doors are locked: extra omnes (“everyone out”) is declared, and the voting begins. VOTING PROCESS * Up to 4 ballots per day (2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon). * A 2/3 majority is needed to elect a new pope. * Ballots are burned after each voting round—black smoke means no pope, white smoke means one has been elected. ONCE A POPE IS ELECTED * He is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” * If he accepts, he chooses a papal name. * The new pope dresses in white and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s. * The announcement is made: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”)