Election of a New Pope in Vatican City

SOURCE www.npr.org
Cardinals gather in Vatican City for the conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. The secretive process involves voting in the Sistine Chapel until a two-thirds majority is reached, signaled by white smoke. The new pope then accepts the position and chooses a papal name before making the first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Square.

Key Points

  • Conclave process involves 133 cardinals voting in the Sistine Chapel
  • New pope's election signaled by white smoke from the chapel's chimney
  • Pope chooses a papal name before appearing on the balcony of St. Peter's Square

Pros

  • Preserves centuries-old traditions of papal election
  • Maintains a sense of mystery and intrigue

Cons

  • Process can be seen as outdated by some
  • Limited transparency in the selection of the pope