The Conclave: How Pope Francis’s successor will be chosen

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories As the Catholic Church prepares for the eventual succession of Pope Francis, attention turns to one of the world’s most secretive and spiritually charged events: the Papal Conclave.

Held behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, this sacred process determines who will wear the white cassock and step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the next pope.

This centuries-old tradition blends solemnity with strict protocol, all underpinned by a vow of total secrecy — breaking it results in automatic excommunication.

Here’s how the next pontiff will be chosen:

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Preparations

1. The Cardinals’ Lock-In

2. Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

On the morning of the conclave, the cardinals attend a solemn “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, invoking divine guidance.

3. Procession to the Chapel

4. Chapel Swept for Surveillance

Security is airtight. The Sistine Chapel is meticulously swept for hidden recording devices to preserve the sanctity and secrecy of the vote.

5. Swearing the Oath

Entertainment news Celebrity gossip Movie and TV show updates Latest celebrity news Trending entertainment stories Election

1. Ballots and Rolls

Ballots are handed out, and lots are drawn to assign nine crucial roles: three scrutineers to count the votes, three infirmarii to assist sick cardinals, and three revisers to double-check results.

2. “Extra Omnes” — Everyone Out

At the command of “Extra omnes,” all non-voting personnel exit. The Sistine Chapel doors are sealed, marking the official start of the conclave.

3. Casting Votes

4. The Oath and the Urn

5. Voting for the Infirm

Cardinals who are too ill to walk to the altar have their ballots submitted by a scrutineer. If bedridden, infirmarii collect their votes from the guesthouse, even writing down the chosen name if necessary.

6. Vote Counting

7. No Winner? Vote Again

A two-thirds majority is required for an election. If no one reaches that threshold, the cardinals vote again. Up to four votes can occur daily — two in the morning, two in the afternoon.

8. Smoke Signals

9. Stalemate Procedure

10. Acceptance of Election

Once a candidate secures the required votes, they are asked: “Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he becomes pope immediately, even before being publicly introduced.

As the Catholic Church prepares for a new chapter, all eyes will be drawn to the tiny chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

In an age of leaks and live feeds, the conclave remains one of the last great secrets — a ritual steeped in tradition, faith, and the enduring mystery of divine selection.