Inside the Conclave

Inside the Conclave ROME DOOOO DOO0 The world watches with interest as cardinals gather in conclave – literally under lock and key - to elect the next pope. The rarity of the event, the ceremony and secrecy add to the intrigue. VATICAN CITY Sistine Chapel Sistine Chapel St. Peter's Basilica St. Peter's Square The centuries-old chapel adorned with Michelangelo's frescoes has been the site of every papal election since 1878. The Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and Its marble floor is covered The cardinal electors process into the chapel chanting "Come, Holy Spirit," invoking divine help with their decision. with wood. The windows and doors are shut as the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies exclaims, 1512. He also painted "The Last Judgment" fresco above the altar "Extra omnes!" ("Everybody else, out!") A sweep is performed for electronic devices. between 1535 and thimney 1541. Cardinal Electors Placing a hand on the Gospels, each one swears to uphold the rules and secrecy of the conclave. Any communication with people outside is forbidden. They may not receive messages or news. During the conclave, cardinals stay in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a hospitality residence on the edge of Vatican City. They take short bus rides or walk to their twice- daily voting sessions. Cardinals under the age of 80 may vote in the conclave. There are 117 How long will it last? eligible cardinals this time. choir gallery The last six conclaves lasted only a few days. Eligo in Summum Pontificem Cardinals per region POPE DAYS BALLOTS Benedict XVI 2 4 14 61 11 John Paul II 8 John Paul I 4 A Swiss Guard stands watch outside the door facing the Sala Regia. 19 11 Paul VI John XXIII 3 11 Ballots and Voting Pius XII 3 Votes are handwritten and cast Stove and individually into special urns. The top of the ballot reads, "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" 28 ("I elect as the most high pontiff"). Countries with the most cardinal electors Smoke Stove A chimney is installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. In the back corner of the chapel, a stove is set to burn ballots and related Crowds Italy gather in St. Peter's Square in anticipation of the announcement. U.S. 11 Ballots are counted by three "scrutineers." The work is Germany checked by three "revisers." The ballot counters and verifiers are papers, including notes taken by the electors, each morning and afternoon. Brazil 5 chosen by lot at the start of the conclave. “Habemus Papam" Spain 5 If balloting is not successful, the smoke burns black with the India 5 The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts the election as pope. If he accepts, he chooses the name he will take. One round of voting is expected the first day. Each day after, two votes are taken in the morning and two votes in the afternoon until a successful vote. help of an added chemical. If balloting is successful, a chemical is added to produce the celebratory white smoke – the signal that the church has a new pope. France 4 From the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the senior cardinal deacon proclaims, "Habemus papam!" ("We have a pope!"), and announces his name. Poland 4 Mexico A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. The new pontiff appears on the balcony and imparts his first papal blessing. Canada 3