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The cardinals choose the new pope. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals come to the altar one by one and swear to make the right choice, effectively acknowledging they do have free choice. After all the cardinals have taken the oath, the Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations orders all individuals other than the cardinals electors and conclave participants to leave the Chapel. There will be no speeches during the conclave and no promises sought or made. All debate and barracking will have taken place in the weeks leading up to the conclave.
According to doctrine, the conclave is guided by God. But, as one cardinal told the National Catholic Reporter's John Allen, "I was never whapped on the head by the Holy Spirit. I had to make the best choice I could, based on information available."
AnswerThis is a question like "Do you walk to school or carry your lunch?" The probability (at least back in my day) was that the answer was, "Well, both." Catholic belief holds that the Cardinals meet in the Conclave, pray the Mass of the Holy Spirit daily, and try to do the Will of God. God works through all of us daily, minute by minute, the only question is are we going to cooperate with Him or not. Most of us know God's Will for us through outside forces, what you might call common sense. It depends on how you see the world. Through a Catholic's eyes, the Cardinals are meeting and praying that so whatever they do WILL be the WILL of God, in that sense, to the extent that they are themselves trying to do the Will of God, then that is what it will be. The Will of God is not something magical, it is human life.
What else can I help you with?
Who chooses the new pope?
The pope is chosen by the Cardinal Electors - all the cardinals under the age of 80.
Why are popes chosen by man when Catholics say they are chosen by God?
Popes are chosen by cardinals in a conclave during which, as a group and as individuals, they pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit to help them choose the new pope.
Where are Cardinal from?
Historically, Cardinals were the clergy of Rome, and they elected the new Pope. Nowadays, the Cardinals are all chosen by the Pope, and he chooses whoever he wishes from all over the world.
When electing a new pope what is the job of a teller?
Three tellers are chosen by the cardinals in the conclave. Their job is to open, count and verify the ballots cast for the pope.
How will the new pope be chosen?
He will be chosen in a secret conclave held in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals use a paper ballot and a pen. No modern voting machines are used.
Why is white smoke released when a pope is chosen?
White smoke comes out of the Vatican when a new Pope has been chosen. Cardinals and bishops of the Catholic Church enter into what is known as a conclave to elect the new Pope through a series of ballots. While in the conclave, the Cardinals and Bishops have no contact with the outside world.
Is the new pope chosen yet?
Yes, the new Pope has been chosen, the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church is Pope Francis. He was elected on March 13,2013.
In which building do cardinals meet to elect a new pope in?
The Sistine Chapel is where the Cardinals meet to elect a new Pope.
What sign is given to show when a new Pope is elected?
After the a vote is taken the ballots are burned in a stove in the Sistine Chapel and chemicals mixed with them. If the smoke is black, no pope has been elected. If the smoke is white, a new pope has been chosen.
How were the popes elected in the Middle Ages?
The popes were chosen almost immediately after the death of the sitting pope. The earliest popes were chosen by consensus of the clergy and people of Rome. In 1059 it was ruled that the cardinals should elect the pope. In 1274 the Church ruled that the cardinals should be locked away (Latin: cum clave) until a new pope has been chosen. From that came the English word conclave.
Do the cardinals cast ballots in the election for pope?
Yes, the cardinals cast secret ballots when electing a new pope.
Who elects the pope?
All cardinals under the age of 80 years make up the electorate that chooses a new pope.
