How Does The Election Of The Pope Work

Their primary responsibility is to elect a new pope.

How does the election of the pope work. The process of using electors comes from the constitution. If there are more than thirty three votes without an election the pope may be chosen by a simple majority. The purpose of the general congregations is to take care of important business related to the pope s funeral and the election of the next pope.

A pope is only elected when a single candidate receives a two thirds majority. But the president and vice president are not elected directly by citizens. They will also prepare for the upcoming papal election called a conclave.

Election day is always held on the first tuesday after november 1. During the period between popes the cardinals appear with uncovered rochets a white tunic worn under the red robes and canopies are placed over their seats in conclave see below to symbolize that supreme authority over the church temporarily rests in their hands. A two thirds plus one majority is required to elect a pope.

They discuss the needs and the challenges facing the catholic church globally. A papal conclave is a gathering of the college of cardinals convened to elect a bishop of rome also known as the pope the pope is considered by catholics to be the apostolic successor of saint peter and earthly head of the catholic church. The only remaining method of electing the pope is by scrutiny ie silent ballot the methods of election by acclamation and by committee have been excluded but were rarely used the older cardinals are still unable to enter the conclave but they are invited to take an active role in the preparatory meetings the rules on secrecy are tougher.

Two ballots each are held in the morning and afternoon for a total of four per day. Elections candidates are elected directly by popular vote. Sometimes pope s are chosen quickly when a strong candidate emerges.

Following a vacancy in the papacy the cardinals hold a series of meetings at the vatican called general congregations. Pope john paul ii altered the rules in 1996 and previously the pope had to receive a majority of two thirds plus one extra vote to be elected. However from the 34th ballot onwards the.