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The next Pope will be chosen in the same time-honoured way that has been used for centuries. An article from Time.com outlines the process. 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. For a preview of some of the likely successors to Pope John Paul II, read this article.
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