MANILA, Philippines – As Catholics across the globe mourned the passing of Pope Francis, many are now turning their attention to the question of who will be chosen to take his place—not only as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church but also as the sovereign of Vatican City.
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| Photo courtesy: Vatican News (FB)/Pixabay |
So, what’s next and who’s next?
According to the Vatican News, the selection of the next Pope is a process deeply rooted in tradition and governed by strict protocol within the Catholic Church.
As the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide, the election of a new Pope is a momentous occasion that follows a carefully orchestrated procedure known as the conclave.
The process begins with the death or resignation of the current Pope, marking the vacancy of the papal office. According to Church law, the conclave to elect the next Pope must commence between 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant.
This time frame allows cardinals from around the world to gather in Rome and prepare for the election.
The Conclave Procedure
1. Preparation: Before the conclave begins, cardinals participate in a series of meetings known as General Congregations. These sessions serve to discuss the state of the Church, assess potential candidates, and set the agenda for the upcoming conclave.
2. Secrecy and Seclusion: The conclave itself takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are sequestered from the outside world. The venue is chosen for its historical significance and symbolic importance as a place where prayers and deliberations unfold under the gaze of Michelangelo's renowned frescoes.
3. Voting: Cardinal electors vote in multiple rounds until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority (currently 78 out of 117 votes). Initially, ballots are held twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. If no candidate secures the required majority after several rounds, there may be a brief pause for prayer and reflection before voting resumes. A black smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signifies that no new Pope has been elected yet. It’s their way to communicate with the outside world.
4. Election: Once a cardinal reaches the required majority, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks if he accepts the election. Upon acceptance, the elected cardinal becomes the new Pope. If chosen, he decides on the name by which he will be known throughout his papacy. Once he accepts the position, white smoke will be released from the chimney—a signal that a new Pope has been elected.
5. Announcement: The newly elected Pope then appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. This iconic moment marks the formal introduction of the new leader of the Catholic Church to the world.
The next question is what are the factors to be considered?
The selection of a Pope is guided by prayer, discernment, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as cardinals consider various qualities in potential candidates:
- Spiritual and Moral Leadership: A candidate's holiness and ability to guide the Church spiritually are paramount.
- Intellectual and Theological Depth: Knowledge of theology and understanding of contemporary issues facing the Church are crucial.
- Pastoral Experience: Experience in pastoral care and a commitment to the global Church's diverse needs.
As mentioned, just like in the selection of previous popes, the new leader will be chosen through a vote by the Cardinals—and among them is Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
READ: Filipino Cardinal Tagle among the leading candidates to replace Pope Francis
Thus, the next Pope will undoubtedly have “big shoes to fill,” as he follows in the footsteps of someone widely regarded as the “People’s Pope.”
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
