CLIL Process of electing a Pope

Sistine chapel where cardinals vote

present-day Pope Francis I

These are the steps to be followed when electing a new Pope:

1. The Vatican organizes a conclave (=meeting) of cardinals that must begin 15-20 days after Benedict's XVI's resignation.
2. Cardinals who can vote (those under age 80) are called to the Vatican City and take an oath of secrecy.
3. There are currently 118 cardinals under age 80 who can vote, 67 of whom were appointed by Benedict.
4. Any baptized Roman Catholic male can be elected as pope, but only cardinals have been selected since 1378.
5. Two ballots (=voting sessions) are held each morning and two each afternoon in the Sistine Chapel. A two-thirds majority is required.
6. Ballots are burnt after each round. Black smoke means no decision; white smoke means that cardinals have chosen pope and he has accepted. Bells also signal the election of a pope to avoid confusion with the smoke colour.



former Pope Benedict XVI

7. The new pope is introduced  St. Peter's Square with the words "Habemus Papam!" (Latin for "We have a pope!") and he then imparts his first blessing.

summarized and adapted from  http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/190754891.html

More information about the process in the BBC website.