At 7:35 a.m., Pope Francis passed away. (Rome time) at his home at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. At 9:45 a.m., Casa Santa Marta made the announcement. by the Apostolic Chamber's Camerlengo (Chamberlain), Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
In a previous tradition, the Camerlengo would call the pope's baptismal name three times and proclaim him dead if no one answered. These days, the focus is on contemplative prayer rather than dramatics, making this more symbolic.
These days, the pope's passing is officially determined by a certain procedure that has its roots in both custom and modern ceremonial standards.
Doctors formally declare the pope dead in accordance with the updated 2024 liturgical document (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis) that regulates the burial of a Roman Pontiff and was authorised by Pope Francis. This include routine medical tests to verify that crucial processes have stopped.
The corpse is put into the coffin right away after the medical confirmation, and a formal ecclesial verification is performed in a chapel instead of the chamber of death (a modification made in the 2024 version). The Camerlengo makes sure that the death is confirmed, prayers are said, and the corpse is ready for viewing and burial in front of important authorities.
The Fisherman's Ring, the pope's ring, is ceremoniously broken upon confirmation of the death to guard against abuse. After notifying the Church and civil authorities in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution, the corpse is relocated for public veneration, starting the novemdiales (nine days of prayer and grief).
Following the death of a pope and during the time when the papal throne is empty (sede vacante), a high-ranking Vatican official known as the Camerlengo is assigned special and significant responsibilities. He oversees the logistics of the conclave in the Sistine Chapel as well as the election of a new pope. He has no power over the Church's spiritual affairs, which are left to the College of Cardinals until a new pope is chosen.
Pope Francis's remains was moved to St. Peter's Basilica for public display on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, after being in an open casket in a chapel at Casa Santa Marta since his death was announced. The funeral service for Pope Francis is set for Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. (Rome time), and will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, at St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.
The Pope's Interment
When a pope passes away, his real funeral often occurs four to six days following his passing. The Dean of the College of Cardinals presided over the funeral Mass, which was followed by the burial. Regarding the actual burial, the church has customarily carried out "The Ritual of Three Coffins." The pope's remains is put in a coffin made of cypress wood when the time comes for the actual burial. The pope is buried in three coffins, as that casket is put within a lead coffin, which is then inside a pine coffin! Each of these coffins has a unique meaning and symbolism.
1. The Coffin of Cypress
The pope's corpse is kept in the deepest, a cypress coffin, with a white silk veil covering his face. This is the one that is on display in St. Peter's Square during the funeral Mass. The bishop in charge of the pope's formal declarations reads a list of the pope's accomplishments at the funeral Mass. The parchment listing these accomplishments is then wrapped into a copper tube. When the burial occurs after the Mass, this list will be put inside the coffin.
under the funeral, three bags of Vatican medals and coins—one made of copper, one of gold, and one of silver—that were struck under the pope's rule are also put inside this casket. The number of years a pope served is shown by the quantity of coins in each bag. The pope's modesty, simplicity, and mortality are symbolised by the plain wooden coffin made of cypress, which also shows that he is buried like a regular person and is a human being like everyone else. The corpse is returned to St. Peter's Basilica in a cypress casket after the funeral Mass. Before being transported to the 16th-century vault for burial next to St. Peter's last resting place, the plain cypress wood coffin is sealed and covered with three silk ribbons. It is then put within two additional caskets, one made of lead and the other made of elm.
2. The Coffin of the Lead
The pope's name, the years of his pontificate, and a skull and crossbones—a symbol known as memento mori—were often engraved on the lead casket to serve as a reminder to the faithful that death is inevitable. The corpse and papers will be preserved throughout time thanks to the lead coffin's increased durability. This casket contains important papers issued by the pope beneath his seal. Before final closing, the Camerlengo places the shattered seal of office within the lead coffin. Hermetically, the lead casket is sealed.
3. The Coffin of Elm
Lastly, the lead coffin is set within an elm coffin that has been sealed with golden nails. Since elm is the most valuable indigenous wood in Rome, the elm coffin is used to symbolise the man's tremendous dignity when he is placed to rest.
Each coffin is sealed in wax with the coat of arms of the Cardinal Dean and the chamberlain after it has been closed and wrapped in two strands of violet silk. Many early Church papers have survived because of this long-standing tradition.
Pope Francis Introduced Changes
Pope Francis approved a new version of the liturgical book that regulates the burial of a Roman Pontiff (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis) in 2024, bringing about considerable alterations to the papal funeral procedures. His long-standing dedication to humility, simplicity, and a more pastoral view of the pope is reflected in these reforms. Among these modifications were the removal of the customary skull and crossbones carving as well as the usage of several coffins. Without the elaborate symbols that were formerly utilised, the pope is buried under the new procedures in a simple wooden casket coated with zinc. at order to adopt a more humble approach and break with centuries-old customs, the skull and crossbones are no longer used at papal funerals.
The updated version now addresses the posthumous disposition of the pope's mortal remains. His corpse is promptly put into the coffin when his death is confirmed at the chapel rather than the room where he passed away. The late Pope Francis had asked that the funeral ceremonies be made simpler and centred on reflecting the Church's belief in the Risen Body of Christ, according to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies. According to him, “The renewed rite seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world”.
The corpse is not exhibited on a public bier, indicating more seclusion and humility. Regarding the burial site, there is considerable leeway. Pope Francis defied centuries of custom by choosing to be buried outside St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's four major basilicas, instead of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, marking a dramatic break from convention. The pope's dedication to humility and his strong love to the Virgin Mary are evident in this decision.
The corpse is not exhibited on a public bier, indicating more seclusion and humility. Regarding the burial site, there is considerable leeway. Pope Francis defied centuries of custom by choosing to be buried outside St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's four major basilicas, instead of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, marking a dramatic break from convention. The pope's dedication to humility and his strong love to the Virgin Mary are evident in this decision.
He asked to be buried simply, "in the ground, without particular decoration," with merely his papal name, Franciscus, in Latin.
Pope Francis is the first pope to be buried outside of the Vatican since Leo XIII in 1903, thanks to his choice to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore. His desire for humility is highlighted by the fact that his ultimate resting place will be a disused candelabra storehouse inside the church. Popes in the future could potentially choose more straightforward or unconventional burial locations. In Paradisum, Requiem aeternam, and other traditional features are still included in the burial Mass, but there is a greater focus on Scripture, humility, and pastoral presence.
The pope is emphasised as a servant of Christ; there is no ornate trappings or royal symbolism. Fourth, there are a few recurring components.
The novemdiales, or nine days of mourning, are still observed. After the funeral, cardinals continue to congregate for the conclave. The corpse is still interred alongside artefacts like papal coins and the rogito, a document that summarises the pope's life. These changes establish a standard for future papal funerals to be more modest, intimate, and spiritually orientated, and they reflect Pope Francis' lifetime emphasis on poverty, simplicity, and pastoral proximity.
The dean of the College of Cardinals promptly notifies all Cardinals worldwide on the death or resignation of a pope. at the same letter, he also calls the Cardinals to the College of Cardinals' first of 10 General Congregations, which will take place at the Paul VI Hall's Synod of Bishops Room. Until every Cardinal elector has reached Rome, the General Congregations will continue. The Cardinals then choose the start date for the election of a new pope. If this procedure is occurring after the death of a pope, it starts once the pope is buried.
The Conclave
The "Conclave" is the name of the procedure used to elect the next pope. Cum clavis, which means "with a key" in Latin, is where the term "conclave" originates. Given that the Cardinals are imprisoned inside the Apostolic Palace's Sistine Chapel during the voting process, the name is appropriate. The Cardinals remain within the Vatican during the Conclave.
The dean of the College of Cardinals promptly notifies all Cardinals worldwide on the death or resignation of a pope. at the same letter, he also calls the Cardinals to the College of Cardinals' first of 10 General Congregations, which will take place at the Paul VI Hall's Synod of Bishops Room. Until every Cardinal elector has reached Rome, the General Congregations will continue. The Cardinals then choose the start date for the election of a new pope. If this procedure is occurring after the death of a pope, it starts once the pope is buried.
The Conclave
The "Conclave" is the name of the procedure used to elect the next pope. Cum clavis, which means "with a key" in Latin, is where the term "conclave" originates. Given that the Cardinals are imprisoned inside the Apostolic Palace's Sistine Chapel during the voting process, the name is appropriate. The Cardinals remain within the Vatican during the Conclave.
Usually, Casa Santa Marta is where this occurs. In addition to the Cardinal electors, those who live in the Vatican and participate in the Conclave are housed at the Cardinals' home when it starts. Aside from the Cardinal electors, various ecclesiastics with certain election-related responsibilities would also live at or visit the Cardinals' home during the Conclave.
These include the College of Cardinals Secretary, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, the Masters of Ceremonies, ordinary clergy priests to hear confessions in several languages, physicians for any emergencies, and personnel for cooking and cleaning. Prior consent from Cardinal Camerlengo is required for all individuals listed below. The Cardinals are also prohibited from using cell phones and denied access to all news outlets.
Prior to the Sistine Chapel's Sealing
The Cardinal electors gather at St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the Eucharist on the day the Conclave starts. They then assemble in the afternoon at the Pauline Chapel of the Vatican Palace and sing the song to the Holy Spirit, "Veni Creator Spiritus," as they make their way to the Sistine Chapel. Before the election, the Cardinals receive two exhortations: one before to their arrival at the Conclave and another after they have taken up residence in the Sistine Chapel. In both situations, the exhortations are intended to outline the Church's present situation and provide suggestions for the attributes a pope should have at that particular moment.
After then, the Cardinals swear to follow the rules outlined in the papal decrees that oversee the Conclave. They pledge to uphold confidentiality, protect the Holy See's freedom, and defy secular authorities' voting directives if elected. In order of precedence, the other Cardinal electors simply affirm that they "do so promise, pledge, and swear" while touching the Gospels. The Cardinal Dean reads the whole oath aloud.
The Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations gives the command for everyone save the cardinal electors and conclave participants to exit the Chapel after all of the Cardinals in attendance have taken the oath. He usually stands before the Sistine Chapel's entrance and yells, "Extra omnes! (roughly translated from Latin as "Everyone else, out!"). Then he shuts the Sistine Chapel door.
Before the election begins, the Congregations may nominate one ecclesiastic to stay, even the Master himself. In his lecture, the ecclesiastic discusses the issues the Church is experiencing and the traits the next pope should possess. The ecclesiastic departs after the discourse is over. After prayers are said, the Cardinal Dean asks if there are any questions about the process. The election may start after the questions have been answered. Even so, cardinals who show up after the Conclave has started are accepted. A cardinal who leaves the Conclave for any cause other than sickness is not permitted to return; an ill cardinal may depart and then be readmitted.
Secrecy is enforced throughout the Conclave; the Cardinals as well as the conclavists and staff are prohibited to discuss any information relevant to the election. Cardinal electors are prohibited from communicating with anybody outside the Conclave by telephone, radio, or the mail, and eavesdropping is a crime that carries an immediate excommunication penalty. In order to find any concealed "bugs" or surveillance equipment, the Sistine Chapel was "swept" with the newest technological equipment before to the Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Particularly prohibited are media like television, radio, and newspapers.
Who is eligible to be elected Pope?
Theoretically, any Catholic man who is of sound age, not a heretic, not involved in a schism, and not "notorious" for simony may be elected pope. The right to be chosen pope is not reserved by law to the Cardinals alone. In reality, nevertheless, the pope is often selected from the Cardinals' ranks. The last pope to be chosen from outside the College of Cardinals was Pope Urban VI in 1378. In 1513, Pope Leo X became the youngest pope ever elected and the last to be elected who was not already an ordained priest or monk
Prior to the Sistine Chapel's Sealing
The Cardinal electors gather at St. Peter's Basilica to celebrate the Eucharist on the day the Conclave starts. They then assemble in the afternoon at the Pauline Chapel of the Vatican Palace and sing the song to the Holy Spirit, "Veni Creator Spiritus," as they make their way to the Sistine Chapel. Before the election, the Cardinals receive two exhortations: one before to their arrival at the Conclave and another after they have taken up residence in the Sistine Chapel. In both situations, the exhortations are intended to outline the Church's present situation and provide suggestions for the attributes a pope should have at that particular moment.
After then, the Cardinals swear to follow the rules outlined in the papal decrees that oversee the Conclave. They pledge to uphold confidentiality, protect the Holy See's freedom, and defy secular authorities' voting directives if elected. In order of precedence, the other Cardinal electors simply affirm that they "do so promise, pledge, and swear" while touching the Gospels. The Cardinal Dean reads the whole oath aloud.
The Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations gives the command for everyone save the cardinal electors and conclave participants to exit the Chapel after all of the Cardinals in attendance have taken the oath. He usually stands before the Sistine Chapel's entrance and yells, "Extra omnes! (roughly translated from Latin as "Everyone else, out!"). Then he shuts the Sistine Chapel door.
Before the election begins, the Congregations may nominate one ecclesiastic to stay, even the Master himself. In his lecture, the ecclesiastic discusses the issues the Church is experiencing and the traits the next pope should possess. The ecclesiastic departs after the discourse is over. After prayers are said, the Cardinal Dean asks if there are any questions about the process. The election may start after the questions have been answered. Even so, cardinals who show up after the Conclave has started are accepted. A cardinal who leaves the Conclave for any cause other than sickness is not permitted to return; an ill cardinal may depart and then be readmitted.
Secrecy is enforced throughout the Conclave; the Cardinals as well as the conclavists and staff are prohibited to discuss any information relevant to the election. Cardinal electors are prohibited from communicating with anybody outside the Conclave by telephone, radio, or the mail, and eavesdropping is a crime that carries an immediate excommunication penalty. In order to find any concealed "bugs" or surveillance equipment, the Sistine Chapel was "swept" with the newest technological equipment before to the Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI. Particularly prohibited are media like television, radio, and newspapers.
Who is eligible to be elected Pope?
Theoretically, any Catholic man who is of sound age, not a heretic, not involved in a schism, and not "notorious" for simony may be elected pope. The right to be chosen pope is not reserved by law to the Cardinals alone. In reality, nevertheless, the pope is often selected from the Cardinals' ranks. The last pope to be chosen from outside the College of Cardinals was Pope Urban VI in 1378. In 1513, Pope Leo X became the youngest pope ever elected and the last to be elected who was not already an ordained priest or monk
. The last person to be chosen in absentia was Pope Adrian VI, who succeeded him. Women are not eligible for the pope since the Catholic Church maintains that they cannot be legitimately ordained. Generally speaking, claims that there was a female pope—such as the fabled Pope Joan, who held the office for a brief period of time during the Middle Ages—are regarded as untrue. The pope does not have to be Italian, even if he is the Bishop of Rome. Pope Francis was an Argentinean, whereas Pope Benedict XVI was German.
Casting a ballot
"I elect as Supreme Pontiff....." is written on the plain rectangular cards that the Cardinal electors use to cast their votes. One ballot may be conducted in the afternoon of the first day. Four votes are held on each succeeding day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon, if a ballot is conducted in the afternoon of the first day and no one is chosen or if no ballot has been held. Before voting in the morning and again before voting in the afternoon, the electors swear an oath to observe the norms of the Conclave.
The Cardinal electors then march to the altar in order of seniority with their completed ballots, which solely include the name of the candidate they voted for. "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected," is the Latin oath that each Cardinal elector says before casting their ballot. After the oath is taken, one of the election officials, known as a scrutiniser, may approach a Cardinal elector who is in the chapel but is unable to go to the altar because of an illness and collect his vote. If any Cardinal electors are confined to their apartments due to illness, one of the infirmarians visits them with a box and voting papers. After taking the oath, these ill Cardinals fill out the voting forms. When the Infirmarians return to the Chapel, the ballots are tallied to check that their number coincides with the number of unwell Cardinals; then, they are put in the proper container. A second ballot is immediately held if no one is selected on the first one. Two votes are collected in the morning and two in the afternoon, for a daily total of four ballots.
Votes are tallied once they have been cast. Votes are burned, unread, and the voting process is restarted if the number of votes does not match the number of Cardinal electors present. However, the votes are counted if no anomalies are found. Any contender must get two-thirds of the vote in order to win. Since there were 115 electors in the case of Pope Francis, the number had to be 77 votes. A candidate must get a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the cardinal electors in attendance at the conclave in order to be chosen as Pope Francis' successor. Given that there would be 135 eligible cardinal electors in the 2025 conclave, a candidate would need to get at least 90 votes to be elected pope. To show that a pope has not been elected, the ballots are burnt and chemicals are used to create black smoke in a chimney in the Sistine Chapel if the necessary majority is not reached. However, white smoke emerges from the chimney if the necessary majority is reached.
The procedure is halted for a maximum of one day for prayer and a speech by the senior Cardinal Deacon if, after three days of voting, no outcome is found. The senior Cardinal Priest will now make the speech, and the procedure may be halted once again after seven more votes. The senior Cardinal Bishop will give the speech, and voting will be halted again if no result is reached after seven more votes. Following seven more ballots, a day of prayer, introspection, and discussion will take place. Only the two names who garnered the most votes on the previous ballot will be eligible for a run-off election on subsequent polls. However, if the two candidates are Cardinal electors, they will not be able to vote themselves.
Acknowledgement and Declaration
The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations and the Secretary of the College of Cardinals are called into the hall by the Cardinal Dean once the election is over. "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" the Cardinal Dean asks the pope-elect whether he agrees to the election. The pope-elect is allowed to declare, "I don't accept," but he is not required to do so. In reality, however, any prospective pope-elect who has no intention of accepting will make this clear before he has received enough votes to be elected pope. Giovanni Colombo did this in the contemporary era in October 1978.
He assumes office right away if he agrees and is already a bishop. The chosen candidate must be ordained as a bishop before he may take office if he is not already one. He is ordained as a bishop by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, in accordance with ancient custom. In the event that a layman is chosen, the Cardinal Dean will ordain him as a deacon first, then a priest, and finally a bishop. The pope-elect does not assume office until after he or she has been elected a bishop.
Selection of Papal Names
When one candidate receives the necessary majority during a conclave to elect a pope, the Cardinal Dean in charge of the election then asks the pope-elect what name he would want to be remembered by. Then the new pope only announces his papal name. He may sometimes provide a reason for his decision, but nobody expects that. He would sometimes provide an explanation thereafter.
The priests who were chosen to serve as Rome's bishops in the early years of the church kept using their baptismal names. The appointment of a priest named Mercurius in AD 533 marked the beginning of the practice of selecting a new name. He felt that a pope should not be called after a Roman deity, yet he had been named after the Roman god Mercury. Mercury was, in fact, the god of wealth, trade, eloquence, messengers, communication (including divination), travellers, boundaries, luck, cunning, and thieves. He also acted as a guide for souls to the underworld. Later, Mercurius decided that he would be called John II. Some popes changed their names after it, while others remained the same. Only two people have deviated from the tradition since Sergius IV (1009–12): Adrian VI (1522–23) and Marcellus II (1555) retained their baptismal names. Although it is by no means necessary, it has been the practice for all popes since Marcellus II to alter their names.
There are many reasons why popes choose their names. There can be a symbolic purpose for certain people. The pope's doctrinal interests, beliefs, or honouring of predecessors or saints are often reflected in the name selected. For instance, by selecting both John and Paul, Pope John Paul I praised John XXIII and Paul VI. Saints might serve as an inspiration to some. Pope Francis so selected his name to reflect the kindness and humility of Saint Francis of Assisi. The custom is still adaptable even if there are no hard and fast rules. By choosing a name that had not been used by past popes, Pope Francis broke with tradition and emphasised a focus on social justice and rebirth.
Other popes could be thinking about reform or continuity. Benedict, which means "blessed" in Latin, and Pius, which means "pious," are examples of names that may indicate theological concentration or rejuvenation. Avoiding controversy is one of the other considerations that go into choosing papal names. Generally speaking, names associated with contentious individuals (like the Borgia popes, who were accused of immorality) or ones that cause confusion (like Stephen II, who passed away before consecration) are avoided. The fact that certain names are reserved is another aspect. To honour Saint Peter, the first pope, for instance, no pope has adopted the name Peter. Ordinal numbers are another factor: a numeral is used in repurposed names (e.g., Benedict XVI). Although new names (like Francis) are called "the First," they sometimes do not include the numerical until a successor takes the name.
The officials are readmitted to the Conclave after the selection of the papal name, and a paper documenting the acceptance and the Pope's new name is written by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies. The "Room of Tears," a little scarlet chamber next to the Sistine Chapel, is where the newly appointed Pope later visits. The Pope gets dressed alone, selecting from three sizes of pontifical choir robes. He then dons a scarlet stole with embroidery and a gold corded pectoral crucifix. He covers his head with a white zucchetto, or "skull cap." He then receives the first "obedience," or adoration, from the Cardinals. The pope then wears the Fisherman's Ring on his finger.
Presenting the new Pope
The senior Cardinal Deacon then makes an appearance on the basilica's façade's main balcony to announce the new Pope, using the following words (presuming the new Pope was a cardinal):
I'm delighted to tell you:
The Pope is here!
Lord [forename], the Most Eminent and Most Reverend
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [last name], who adopts [papal name] as his own.
The congregation receives the new pope's first benediction shortly after he arrives on the same balcony while dressed in pontifical robes. The new pope customarily addresses the body of cardinals before disbanding the conclave. The pope himself chooses the day for the installation of the next pope, which often occurs a few days later.
Casting a ballot
"I elect as Supreme Pontiff....." is written on the plain rectangular cards that the Cardinal electors use to cast their votes. One ballot may be conducted in the afternoon of the first day. Four votes are held on each succeeding day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon, if a ballot is conducted in the afternoon of the first day and no one is chosen or if no ballot has been held. Before voting in the morning and again before voting in the afternoon, the electors swear an oath to observe the norms of the Conclave.
The Cardinal electors then march to the altar in order of seniority with their completed ballots, which solely include the name of the candidate they voted for. "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected," is the Latin oath that each Cardinal elector says before casting their ballot. After the oath is taken, one of the election officials, known as a scrutiniser, may approach a Cardinal elector who is in the chapel but is unable to go to the altar because of an illness and collect his vote. If any Cardinal electors are confined to their apartments due to illness, one of the infirmarians visits them with a box and voting papers. After taking the oath, these ill Cardinals fill out the voting forms. When the Infirmarians return to the Chapel, the ballots are tallied to check that their number coincides with the number of unwell Cardinals; then, they are put in the proper container. A second ballot is immediately held if no one is selected on the first one. Two votes are collected in the morning and two in the afternoon, for a daily total of four ballots.
Votes are tallied once they have been cast. Votes are burned, unread, and the voting process is restarted if the number of votes does not match the number of Cardinal electors present. However, the votes are counted if no anomalies are found. Any contender must get two-thirds of the vote in order to win. Since there were 115 electors in the case of Pope Francis, the number had to be 77 votes. A candidate must get a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by the cardinal electors in attendance at the conclave in order to be chosen as Pope Francis' successor. Given that there would be 135 eligible cardinal electors in the 2025 conclave, a candidate would need to get at least 90 votes to be elected pope. To show that a pope has not been elected, the ballots are burnt and chemicals are used to create black smoke in a chimney in the Sistine Chapel if the necessary majority is not reached. However, white smoke emerges from the chimney if the necessary majority is reached.
The procedure is halted for a maximum of one day for prayer and a speech by the senior Cardinal Deacon if, after three days of voting, no outcome is found. The senior Cardinal Priest will now make the speech, and the procedure may be halted once again after seven more votes. The senior Cardinal Bishop will give the speech, and voting will be halted again if no result is reached after seven more votes. Following seven more ballots, a day of prayer, introspection, and discussion will take place. Only the two names who garnered the most votes on the previous ballot will be eligible for a run-off election on subsequent polls. However, if the two candidates are Cardinal electors, they will not be able to vote themselves.
Acknowledgement and Declaration
The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations and the Secretary of the College of Cardinals are called into the hall by the Cardinal Dean once the election is over. "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" the Cardinal Dean asks the pope-elect whether he agrees to the election. The pope-elect is allowed to declare, "I don't accept," but he is not required to do so. In reality, however, any prospective pope-elect who has no intention of accepting will make this clear before he has received enough votes to be elected pope. Giovanni Colombo did this in the contemporary era in October 1978.
He assumes office right away if he agrees and is already a bishop. The chosen candidate must be ordained as a bishop before he may take office if he is not already one. He is ordained as a bishop by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, in accordance with ancient custom. In the event that a layman is chosen, the Cardinal Dean will ordain him as a deacon first, then a priest, and finally a bishop. The pope-elect does not assume office until after he or she has been elected a bishop.
Selection of Papal Names
When one candidate receives the necessary majority during a conclave to elect a pope, the Cardinal Dean in charge of the election then asks the pope-elect what name he would want to be remembered by. Then the new pope only announces his papal name. He may sometimes provide a reason for his decision, but nobody expects that. He would sometimes provide an explanation thereafter.
The priests who were chosen to serve as Rome's bishops in the early years of the church kept using their baptismal names. The appointment of a priest named Mercurius in AD 533 marked the beginning of the practice of selecting a new name. He felt that a pope should not be called after a Roman deity, yet he had been named after the Roman god Mercury. Mercury was, in fact, the god of wealth, trade, eloquence, messengers, communication (including divination), travellers, boundaries, luck, cunning, and thieves. He also acted as a guide for souls to the underworld. Later, Mercurius decided that he would be called John II. Some popes changed their names after it, while others remained the same. Only two people have deviated from the tradition since Sergius IV (1009–12): Adrian VI (1522–23) and Marcellus II (1555) retained their baptismal names. Although it is by no means necessary, it has been the practice for all popes since Marcellus II to alter their names.
There are many reasons why popes choose their names. There can be a symbolic purpose for certain people. The pope's doctrinal interests, beliefs, or honouring of predecessors or saints are often reflected in the name selected. For instance, by selecting both John and Paul, Pope John Paul I praised John XXIII and Paul VI. Saints might serve as an inspiration to some. Pope Francis so selected his name to reflect the kindness and humility of Saint Francis of Assisi. The custom is still adaptable even if there are no hard and fast rules. By choosing a name that had not been used by past popes, Pope Francis broke with tradition and emphasised a focus on social justice and rebirth.
Other popes could be thinking about reform or continuity. Benedict, which means "blessed" in Latin, and Pius, which means "pious," are examples of names that may indicate theological concentration or rejuvenation. Avoiding controversy is one of the other considerations that go into choosing papal names. Generally speaking, names associated with contentious individuals (like the Borgia popes, who were accused of immorality) or ones that cause confusion (like Stephen II, who passed away before consecration) are avoided. The fact that certain names are reserved is another aspect. To honour Saint Peter, the first pope, for instance, no pope has adopted the name Peter. Ordinal numbers are another factor: a numeral is used in repurposed names (e.g., Benedict XVI). Although new names (like Francis) are called "the First," they sometimes do not include the numerical until a successor takes the name.
The officials are readmitted to the Conclave after the selection of the papal name, and a paper documenting the acceptance and the Pope's new name is written by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Ceremonies. The "Room of Tears," a little scarlet chamber next to the Sistine Chapel, is where the newly appointed Pope later visits. The Pope gets dressed alone, selecting from three sizes of pontifical choir robes. He then dons a scarlet stole with embroidery and a gold corded pectoral crucifix. He covers his head with a white zucchetto, or "skull cap." He then receives the first "obedience," or adoration, from the Cardinals. The pope then wears the Fisherman's Ring on his finger.
Presenting the new Pope
The senior Cardinal Deacon then makes an appearance on the basilica's façade's main balcony to announce the new Pope, using the following words (presuming the new Pope was a cardinal):
I'm delighted to tell you:
The Pope is here!
Lord [forename], the Most Eminent and Most Reverend
Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [last name], who adopts [papal name] as his own.
The congregation receives the new pope's first benediction shortly after he arrives on the same balcony while dressed in pontifical robes. The new pope customarily addresses the body of cardinals before disbanding the conclave. The pope himself chooses the day for the installation of the next pope, which often occurs a few days later.
