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Images captured on Monday showed Pope Francis lying in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, flanked by Swiss Guards. The footage showed of the ritual to confirm his death, presided over by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Francis’ funeral has been set for Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, to be celebrated by the dean of the College of Cardinals
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A new Pope is chosen through a papal conclave, a secretive process where the College of Cardinals votes by secret ballot to elect a new Bishop of Rome. The conclave begins after the death or resignation of a Pope, and the cardinals, who are the most senior officials in the Catholic Church, are summoned to the Vatican.
Here's a more detailed look at the process:
1. The Conclave Begins:
The College of Cardinals, consisting of cardinals under 80 years old, gathers in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave.
2. Voting:
Each cardinal casts a secret ballot, writing their choice on a slip of paper and dropping it into a chalice.
3. Counting and Burning Ballots:
After each round of voting, the ballots are counted and burned. A black smoke signal indicates the vote was inconclusive, while a white smoke signal announces that a new Pope has been elected.
4. Two-Thirds Majority Required:
A candidate needs a two-thirds majority of the votes to be elected Pope.
5. Potential Breaks:
If a winner isn't chosen after three days of voting, there can be a one-day break for prayer and reflection.
6. Final Steps:
Once a candidate receives the necessary votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks if they accept the election, and they then choose their papal name.
In essence, the conclave is a secretive process that relies on the cardinals' votes to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church