Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - News Flash from the Vatican: The "door of death" has been closed

bendsley · 04-01-2005, 10:45 AM

How is the Pope chosen?

A new Pope is elected whenever the position becomes vacant. Contrary to what many people believe, the papacy is not decided by the popular vote. Instead, in a system patterned after the Electoral College used in U.S. presidential elections, the Pope is ultimately elected by a College of Cardinals. The entire process is shrouded in heavy secrecy, and vote totals are not released. In fact, the ballots are burned. This makes it nearly impossible to ascertain whether the elections are indeed fair and accurate, or whether “hanging chads” and other such problems may taint the results.

First, the death of the current Pope will be verified by the Camerlengo, the head of the Sacred College of Cardinals, who follows specific procedures, such as the breaking of the papal ring and seal. The Pope is buried and nine days of mourning follow.

Fifteen to 20 days after the Pope's death, the Cardinals meet to elect the next Pontiff. The election, known as a conclave, is held in a sealed and secure part of the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80 vote, and secret written ballots are used. The Camerlengo and three assistants count the ballots.

Except in special circumstances, a papal candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote plus one to be elected the next Pontiff. Four ballots are taken each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until a vote is successful. The ballots are burned after each vote, and if the vote is unsuccessful, a substance is added to the fire to produce black smoke. Thus, black smoke indicates to the waiting crowd that the voting continues, while white smoke signals that a new Pope has been chosen. When a candidate has been chosen, the dean asks him if he accepts the papacy. If he does, he is appointed Bishop of Rome and is announced. Then he appears on the balcony of the Vatican.

While any Roman Catholic adult male is technically papabile (i.e., able to be elected Pope), for centuries only Cardinals have been elected.

04-01-2005, 10:45 AM	#16 (permalink)
bendsley Professional Loafer Location: texas	How is the Pope chosen? A new Pope is elected whenever the position becomes vacant. Contrary to what many people believe, the papacy is not decided by the popular vote. Instead, in a system patterned after the Electoral College used in U.S. presidential elections, the Pope is ultimately elected by a College of Cardinals. The entire process is shrouded in heavy secrecy, and vote totals are not released. In fact, the ballots are burned. This makes it nearly impossible to ascertain whether the elections are indeed fair and accurate, or whether “hanging chads” and other such problems may taint the results. First, the death of the current Pope will be verified by the Camerlengo, the head of the Sacred College of Cardinals, who follows specific procedures, such as the breaking of the papal ring and seal. The Pope is buried and nine days of mourning follow. Fifteen to 20 days after the Pope's death, the Cardinals meet to elect the next Pontiff. The election, known as a conclave, is held in a sealed and secure part of the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80 vote, and secret written ballots are used. The Camerlengo and three assistants count the ballots. Except in special circumstances, a papal candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote plus one to be elected the next Pontiff. Four ballots are taken each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until a vote is successful. The ballots are burned after each vote, and if the vote is unsuccessful, a substance is added to the fire to produce black smoke. Thus, black smoke indicates to the waiting crowd that the voting continues, while white smoke signals that a new Pope has been chosen. When a candidate has been chosen, the dean asks him if he accepts the papacy. If he does, he is appointed Bishop of Rome and is announced. Then he appears on the balcony of the Vatican. While any Roman Catholic adult male is technically papabile (i.e., able to be elected Pope), for centuries only Cardinals have been elected. __________________ "You hear the one about the fella who died, went to the pearly gates? St. Peter let him in. Sees a guy in a suit making a closing argument. Says, "Who's that?" St. Peter says, "Oh, that's God. Thinks he's Denny Crane."