The Electors

Since 1059, the election of the Pope has been reserved to the cardinals alone.

The Conclave

The institution of the Conclave is the mechanism by which a new pope is elected.

Conclave to elect new Pope to begin on 7 May

The New Pope

The Latin announcement Habemus Papam! - "We Have a Pope!"

Observance of Secrecy

Details about the level of secrecy Cardinals maintain during Conclave.

Resolving Deadlock

What happens upon a deadlock vote?

The Ballots

The voting process to elect a new Pope.

The Election

The method for choosing a new Pope?

College of Cardinals

Details about the College of Cardinals during the vacancy of the Apostolic See

When a Pope dies

Details of the procedures followed immediately after the death of a Pope.

Resignation of a Pope

The possibility of the resignation of a reigning Pontiff is recognised in the Code of Canon Law

Election of a Pope

How is a pope elected? What happens when a pope resigns or dies.