A papal conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened to appoint the Bishop of Rome, also known as the pope. Catholics consider the pope to be the apostolic successor of Saint Peter and the earthly head of the Catholic Church.
Sistine Chapel
A chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the pope’s official residence in Vatican City. Place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today, it is the site of the papal conclave, the process by which a new pope is selected. The chapel’s fame lies mainly in the frescoes that decorate its interior, most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and The Last Judgment, both by Michelangelo.
How Is a New Pope Chosen?
Guidance of the Holy Spirit in electing a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in a conclave. They are known as the cardinal electors.
Smoke signals:
- Black smoke signals no pope elected.
- White smoke that signals a pope has been chosen.