Pope Francis: How a new Pope is elected

When news breaks of the death of a pope, like the recent passing of Pope Francis, the world pauses. It’s not just the end of a pontificate; it’s the close of a spiritual chapter that touched the hearts of millions.

For many Catholics, the pope is more than just the leader of the Church he’s a spiritual father, a global symbol of faith, and a voice of moral clarity in turbulent times.

But what happens after such a towering figure departs? Behind the walls of the Vatican, a sacred and time-honored process begins one that blends tradition, prayer, and the careful guidance of the Holy Spirit to help the Church find its next shepherd.

It all begins with a Latin phrase: sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” This moment is declared as soon as the pope passes away.

From that instant, a period of mourning begins one filled with solemn rites and quiet reflection. The man overseeing this delicate transition is the Camerlengo, a senior cardinal who certifies the pope’s death and gently closes off his private chambers, placing wax seals on the doors as a symbol that the office of Saint Peter now awaits a new occupant.

But the Church doesn’t rush. It prays. Cardinals from across the world are summoned to Rome not just to vote, but first to reflect together. They meet in what’s called the General Congregations, sharing Mass, discussions, and moments of deep spiritual discernment.

These men princes of the Church come with different backgrounds and experiences, but one shared mission: to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as they prepare to choose the next pope.

Then comes the part the world watches with awe: the conclave. The term means “with a key,” and that’s exactly what happens the doors of the Sistine Chapel close, and the cardinals are literally locked in.

Beneath Michelangelo’s epic fresco of the Last Judgment, 120 electors sit in silent prayer, take a sacred oath of secrecy, and begin the most important vote of their lives.

Ballots are cast, and silence reigns. A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned if no one is chosen, black smoke billows from the chapel chimney.

But when white smoke appears and the bells of St. Peter’s ring, the city erupts with joy. The world knows what it means: Habemus Papam We have a pope.

Inside, the chosen cardinal is stunned. The Dean of the College of Cardinals approaches him and asks: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he says yes, he is then asked, “By what name shall you be called?” A name is chosen not just for its sound, but for its meaning. Names like Francis, Benedict, John Paul all carry stories, values, and inspiration for what comes next.

The new pope is led to a quiet room beside the chapel the Room of Tears. Many break down here, overwhelmed by the weight of the office.

There, he is dressed in white three sets of cassocks await in different sizes, because no one knows who it will be. He is vested with the white papal garments, the pectoral cross, and finally, the Ring of the Fisherman, a reminder that like Peter, he is now called to cast the net wide and shepherd souls toward Christ.

Soon after, he appears before the world. A cardinal steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces in Latin: “Habemus Papam!” The square below erupts with emotion cheers, tears, waving flags. And then, from behind the curtain, the new pope steps out for the first time not just as a cardinal, but as the Bishop of Rome and the new spiritual father to the world. He raises his hand, not just in ceremony, but in blessing and gives his first Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) benediction.

But this isn’t the end. A few days later, the new pontiff is officially installed during the Mass of Papal Inauguration, usually held in St. Peter’s Square before a sea of worshippers, leaders, and pilgrims.

It is here that he receives the pallium, a woolen band worn around the shoulders to represent his pastoral role as shepherd. He is once again given the Fisherman’s Ring, this time permanently, as a sign of authority, love, and service.

During the Mass, readings from the Bible are proclaimed, and prayers are offered for his leadership. The people watch not a coronation, but a commitment a man pledging his life to serve the Church in humility and faith. Gone are the crowns and tiaras of the past; today’s pope wears only white, a symbol of purity, simplicity, and sacrifice.

Throughout the process, sacred instruments and vestments are used. The Book of the Gospels rests on the pope’s shoulders during his installation, signifying the weight and beauty of the Word he is now charged with proclaiming.

The Ferula, a pastoral staff surmounted by a crucifix, becomes his walking companion his visible reminder that his authority flows only from Christ.

What may seem like an elaborate tradition is, at its heart, a spiritual journey. It is the Church looking not just for a leader, but for a father. A man who will pray, suffer, love, and guide.

A man who will speak not only to Catholics, but to all people of goodwill. A man who reminds the world that even in a time of loss, God is still with us and that the Church, no matter how heavy the moment, always rises to continue its mission.

In this time of transition, Catholics around the globe are invited to pray not only for the soul of Pope Francis, but for the one who will follow.

The process reminds us of Christ’s words to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” And so, from the silence of a sealed chapel to the roar of a jubilant crowd, a new pope will rise not through power, but through prayer.