Goose performs “Thatch” during Saturday Sessions – CBS News

With the recent passing of Pope Francis, discussions about who will succeed him have been circulating. The process of electing a new pope involves a series of rituals and traditions that have been upheld for centuries within the Catholic Church. Once the reigning pope passes away or resigns, the College of Cardinals convenes in a secret conclave to select the next pontiff.

The conclave is a solemn and historical event where cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes in multiple rounds until a two-thirds majority is reached. The cardinals participating in the conclave are sworn to secrecy and are isolated from the outside world until they have elected a new pope.

During the conclave, the cardinals engage in intense discussions and deliberations to discern the best candidate to lead the Catholic Church. They consider factors such as the candidate’s theological knowledge, pastoral experience, and ability to lead the global church in a time of unprecedented challenges and uncertainties.

The election of a new pope is a momentous occasion that resonates with Catholics worldwide. It signals a new chapter in the history of the church and the direction it may take under the leadership of the newly elected pope. While the process may seem mysterious to outsiders, it is steeped in tradition and guided by the belief in the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the selection of the pontiff.

Once a new pope is elected, the white smoke emerges from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a decision has been made. The newly elected pope then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and deliver his first papal blessing, known as the “Urbi et Orbi.”

The death of a pope and the subsequent election of a new one are significant events in the Catholic Church’s history and have a profound impact on its followers worldwide. The process of electing a new pope is a sacred and revered tradition that embodies the continuity and enduring legacy of the papacy. As the world awaits the election of the next pope, Catholics around the globe reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and anticipate the direction in which the church will move under new leadership in the future.