When the Pope dies, all the Cardinals go to the Sistine Chapel and lock themselves in there (this is called conclave, which means "with key"). While in there, they discuss and vote on which Cardinal should be the next Pope. They are only allowed to leave the Sistine Chapel once they have reached a decision.
The cardinals use paper ballots to elect a pope. There are no voting machines used.
In the early days of the Church the pope was elected by the clergy and laity who resided in and around Rome.
They use a paper ballot and a pen. No modern voting machines are used.
election
There is no rule that prohibits a pope from taking the name of Peter. However, out of respect for the first pope, no man has used that name.
Benedict is the name used by 15 popes. Pope Benedict X was an antipope and not counted as a legitimate pope.
There are a number of pope names that have been used only once. Peter, the name of the first pope, is one and Francis, the name of the current (2013) pope, is another example.
The name John has been used by 23 popes.
The skull cap worn by a pope, cardinal or bishop is called a zucchetto.
The words pope, archbishop and bishop are capitalized when they are used as part of the man's name. Such as Pope Pius X, or Bishop O'Connor.
This is the name that a person takes when becoming a pope. It is used instead of the person's birth name.
It is the process used to elect government officials in Mexico. Some examples include the president, the congress and state governors.