How Is the Pope Elected
A new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals during a papal conclave. Only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote. They meet in the Sistine Chapel inside the Vatican until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority of votes.
What Happens During a Conclave
Cardinals cast secret ballots in a series of votes. Ballots are burned after each round, with smoke signals indicating results. Black smoke means no pope has been chosen; white smoke means a new pope has been elected.
Key Facts About Papal Elections
The process is governed by the Apostolic Constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis." The elected pope chooses his regnal name and is inaugurated in a public ceremony. The conclave is closed to outsiders to protect the secrecy of the vote.
For more details on the modern papal election process, see the official Vatican explanation at Vatican official website.
