Papal Succession: How the Next Pope Is Chosen

When a pope dies or steps down, the Catholic Church enters a short, intense period called the sede vacante — the seat is empty. People watch closely: who will lead a billion Catholics next? This page explains, in plain language, what happens day by day, who is in charge, and how the new pope is elected.

Who runs things during the vacancy?

Immediately after a pope’s death or resignation, the camerlengo (a cardinal) handles day-to-day administration. He confirms the pope’s death, seals the papal apartments, and manages practical matters. The College of Cardinals governs only in limited ways; they cannot make major changes. The Vatican continues essential services, but major decisions wait until a new pope is chosen.

The pope’s funeral usually happens within about a week. After that, the cardinals prepare for the conclave — the closed election. Most cardinals attend, but only those under 80 years old on the day the papacy becomes vacant can vote. That rule keeps the electors focused and manageable.

How the conclave works

The conclave normally starts 15 to 20 days after the seat becomes vacant. Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from outside contact, and vote in secret. Each ballot requires a two-thirds majority to elect a pope. Balloting goes on in morning and afternoon sessions until someone reaches that threshold.

Smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel chimney are the famous cue people watch: black smoke means no decision yet, white smoke means a new pope is chosen. After the successful vote, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks the elected man if he accepts. If he accepts, he picks his papal name. Then the announcement — traditionally in Latin — introduces the new pope to the world with the words many expect to hear: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam."

Anyone can technically be elected pope, even someone who isn’t a cardinal. If a layperson were chosen, he would be ordained as a bishop first. In practice, recent popes have come from among the cardinals. The elected pope is usually installed and has a formal inauguration mass within days or weeks.

What matters beyond ceremony is direction. A new pope sets priorities: pastoral focus, administrative reforms, and global relations. For Africa, a new pope can shape priorities on issues like development, health, migration, and interfaith dialogue. African cardinals play an increasing role in the conversation and could influence the choice.

Watching a papal succession is watching tradition meet urgent modern questions. The process is structured to be careful and quiet, yet the outcome can shift the Church’s tone for years. If you want updates, check trusted news sources like Africa Daily Dispatch for clear, day-by-day coverage of what unfolds in Rome and what it means across Africa.