The Catholic Church has now entered the Sede Vacante period ahead of the Papal Conclave after the death of  Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

About the Papal Conclave

• Introduction: The Papal Conclave is the secretive process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new Pope after the seat becomes vacant.
• Symbolic Acts: Following a Pope’s death, rituals include breaking the Ring of the Fisherman and public viewing of the body, before burial.
• Sede Vacante period: It is the time between a Pope’s death or resignation and the election of his successor.
• Composition: Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote; currently, about 135 voting cardinals are expected, 80% appointed by Pope Francis.
• Purpose: The conclave ensures spiritual and political consensus in choosing a Pope who can lead the global Church.
• The Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), an apostolic constitution, governs the process. It dictates strict procedures, and demands secrecy and complete isolation within the Vatican City.

Process of Pope’s Election

• Secrecy and Setting: The election is held in the Sistine Chapel under strict isolation to avoid external influence.
• Voting Requirement: A two-thirds majority is required, pushing for compromise candidates with broad appeal across ideological blocs.
• Voting Rounds: Multiple rounds of secret ballots are held; black smoke signals no decision, white smoke announces the election of a new Pope.
• Announcement: Upon election, a cardinal announces “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new Pope who then gives his first blessing.

About the Pope and His Role

• The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, the supreme pontiff, and the global leader of the Catholic Church.
• Eligibility: Any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible, though all Popes in modern history have been cardinals.
• Tenure: The papacy is usually a lifetime role, though resignation is possible, as seen with Benedict XVI.
• Key Duties: The Pope guides doctrine, appoints bishops, leads the Vatican’s diplomatic missions, and acts as a moral and spiritual leader worldwide.