Papal conclave live updates: Sistine Chapel doors close as conclave begins
The papal conclave is a process steeped in tradition and secrecy, but the mechanics of how a new Pope is elected are actually quite straightforward. Each conclave member, typically a cardinal, writes their choice on a paper ballot slip and folds it once in half. They then carry the ballot aloft between two fingers as they walk to the altar to deposit it into a special urn dedicated solely for the balloting process.
Anonymity is paramount in the voting process, with conclave members instructed to write their votes in a way that cannot be identified as their own handwriting. This ensures that each ballot remains confidential and unbiased.
In cases where a conclave member is unable to physically be present in the Sistine Chapel, such as due to illness or infirmity, they cast their ballot from a separate room in the Domus Marthae Sanctae. These absentee votes are collected in a lockbox and brought to the Sistine Chapel for inclusion in the final count.
The counting of the votes is a meticulous process overseen by three scrutineers. They verify the contents of each ballot and announce the results to the conclave, allowing the cardinals to record the votes themselves. The candidate who receives at least two-thirds of the votes is then elected as the new Pope.
The papal conclave is a solemn and sacred event, steeped in centuries of tradition and ritual. It is a process that underscores the importance of prayer, contemplation, and discernment in selecting the leader of the Catholic Church.
