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Questions
When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters one of its most solemn and mysterious traditions: the conclave, the election of the new pope. But what really happens behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel?
What Does “Conclave” Mean?
The word conclave comes from Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” This refers to the fact that cardinal electors are literally locked inside the Sistine Chapel during the voting process, with no contact with the outside world.
Who Votes?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. They gather in Rome and swear an oath of total secrecy. From that moment on, communication with the outside world is strictly forbidden.
How Does the Voting Work?
Each day, up to four votes may be held—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. The process is completely anonymous, with each cardinal writing their choice on paper ballots.
After each round, the ballots are burned in a special stove:
• Black smoke means no one has been elected.
• White smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.
When a Pope Is Elected
Once a candidate receives the required number of votes and accepts the position, he chooses a new name and is immediately dressed in papal robes. The world is informed with the famous Latin phrase:
Habemus Papam — “We have a pope.”
He then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the public.
A Tradition of Faith and Secrecy
Though hidden from view, the conclave is watched closely by millions worldwide. It’s a process filled with tradition, ritual, and a deep sense of spiritual responsibility—a moment where history is made in silence.
Questions 👇🏼
1. Why is a conclave held?
2. Where is it held?
3. How old must the Cardinals be to be able to take part in the conclave?
4. When they gather in Rome, what do they do first?
5. How many votes a day are held?
6. To be elected Pope, how many votes does a candidates have to receive?
7. What color is the smoke if no pope is chosen?
8. What color is the smoke when a pope is elected?
9. What must the elected candidate do before becoming pope?
10. What do the words Habemus Papam mean?
11. Where is the new pope introduced to the public?
12. Why is the conclave watched around the world?
