PAPAL CONCLAVE Q & A Q What is the term of service for a pope? Popes are elected for life and therefore remain as pope un• l their death or resigna• on. Pope Benedict XVI is the fi rst to resign in almost 600 years. When he announced his resigna• on Feb. 11, he cited his “advanced age” as the reason. Q What are some other names for the pope? Bishop of Rome, successor to St. Peter, supreme pon• ff , earthly father of Catholic Church, Vicar of Christ, Holy Father. Q When is a new pope selected? In the past, the papal conclave (the name for the process to select the new pope) generally took place 15-20 days a" er the resigna• on or death of the former pope. However, Pope Benedict XVI recently modifi ed the rules so that the process may begin sooner this me. Feb. 28 is the offi cial day of his resigna• on. Q Who selects the new pope? Members of the Church hierarchy, called Cardinals, under the age of 80. Cardinals are usually dressed in red and they come from all around the world. Together, they make up the “College of Cardinals.” They select the new leader of the Catholic Church under an oath of secrecy. Approximately 120 usually take part in the elec on. Q Who can be elected pope? In theory, any bap• zed male Catholic. The person does not have to be a priest, bishop or cardinal, but if they are not, they are immediately ordained a bishop. Only cardinals have been selected since the 15th century. Q Where does the elec on take place? The cardinals vote in secrecy in the Sis• ne Chapel in Va• can City, Rome, Italy. Q What is the process of selec ng a new pope? Paper ballots are given with only one tally on the fi rst day. The votes are counted and read aloud. When the ballots are burned and black smoke is emi ed, this indicates that a 2/3 majority has not been reached and no pope has been selected. If a new pope is not chosen a" er 13 days, a day of prayer and refl ec on is held. The vote then goes to just the top two vote-ge$ ers and a 2/3 majority is s• ll required. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke is emi ed. Q How is the new pope announced? A er the new pope offi cially accepts his elec on, he chooses a new name and is given a white robe and zucche$ o (small, round cap). It is declared, “We have a pope!” The new pope steps out onto the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica to be introduced and o en delivers a short blessing to all the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. MORE QUESTIONS? Communica• ons Department | 920-272-8209 | [email protected].