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The new Pope is chosen through a vote of Cardinals gathered together, in the strictest of privacy (sequestered) to elect the new Pope. Called a Papal Conclave, the meeting of the College of Cardinals is convened to elect the new Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope.
The College of Cardinals is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. They will continue voting and re-voting until finally there is full agreement as to who the new Bishop will be.
Once the decision has been reached, the public, who wait in reflection, reverence and prayer, a small smoking fire, (the burning of the ballots) will be made, whereby smoke from the chimney of the conclave room will be seen.
The eligible cardinals conduct their secret ballots until such time as someone receives a vote of two-thirds plus one. The ballots are then burned after each vote.
Black smoke (straw is mixed with the ballots) indicates a failed ballot, white smoke means a new pope has been elected. As the cardinals meet in isolation, it's the only way to inform the public about the proceedings.
The voting process will go on as long as it takes. It has reportedly even take up to three years (Pope Clement IV, 1268). It is reported that that due to the time taking so long, the Cardinals were finally fed only bread and water, attempting to force them to come to a decision.
Not only is religious piety taken into consideration, but abilities of vision, administration, and the overall needs of the people around the world is paramount in coming to a final decision. Early on, any political pressures are dispensed with, as personal agendas are set aside and dismissed by the majority, until such time the final vote is made.
What else can I help you with?
Does the Pope get new pope clothes when he becomes the pope or does he use the pope clothes of the previous Pope?
The new Pope is always fitted with clothing tailored to his measurements.
What year did Catholics get a new pope?
Pope Fancis became the new pope in 2013.
What does the Pope mean when he says he wants a new humanity?
He is wanting the world to get along with each other and have compassion for the sanctity of human life.
Who is our new pope?
Pope Francis
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.
Can the pope make a new sacrament?
No, the pope can not make a new sacrament.
What do the symbols on the Vatican crest mean?
it basically means that any new Pope who becomes Pope represents new Pope.
Does the pope say mass in the Vatican?
The pope says mass daily, usually in his private chapel.
When a new Pope is elected what color is the smoke?
The smoke comes from burning the ballots in a stove in the Sistine Chapel.
What is the new pope called?
The latest pope (March 2013) is called Pope Francis.
What is Pope Benedict XVI's new title?
He is known as the Pope Emeritus, which is a retired pope.
What is meant by ex-cathedra?
That often refers to something a pope says. In this case, it is something which the pope says unofficially, and which is therefore not considered church canon, i.e., it is not necessarily endorsed by the church.
