zaro

What Happens at the End of a Conclave?

Published in Papal Conclave Conclusion 4 mins read

The end of a papal conclave culminates in the successful election of a new Pope, marking a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. This ancient process concludes with a series of distinct ceremonies and announcements, signaling to the world that the cardinals have chosen the next successor to Saint Peter.

The Election and Acceptance

Once a cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority of votes, the formal conclusion of the election process begins.

Key Steps at Conclusion:

  1. Verification of Votes: The ballots are carefully counted and verified by the scrutineers to ensure the legitimacy of the election.
  2. Acceptance of Election: The Dean of the College of Cardinals formally asks the cardinal who has been elected: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"
  3. Choosing a Pontifical Name: Upon accepting the election, the newly elected Pope is then asked, "By what name do you wish to be called?" He chooses his papal name, which often reflects a devotion to a saint or a particular theological emphasis for his pontificate. For instance, in one such instance where a new leader was chosen, Cardinal Benitez became the new Pope.
  4. Change of Vestments: The new Pope retires to the "Room of Tears" (Camera Lacrimatoria), a small antechamber within the Sistine Chapel, to put on the papal vestments (white cassock, stole, and mozzetta). Three sizes of robes are typically prepared in advance to fit the new Pontiff.

Announcing the New Pope

Following the acceptance and change of vestments, the news of a new Pope is traditionally communicated to the world.

White Smoke and Bells

The most iconic signal is the white smoke emerging from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. This smoke, produced by burning the ballots with chemicals, indicates that a new Pope has been successfully elected and has accepted his role. Simultaneously, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica begin to ring, amplifying the joyous news.

Habemus Papam!

Shortly after the white smoke and ringing bells, the senior Cardinal Deacon (Protodeacon) appears on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He delivers the solemn and anticipated announcement, known as Habemus Papam (Latin for "We have a Pope"):

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!
Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum [Forename of the elected Cardinal], Sanctæ Romanæ Ecclesiæ Cardinalem [Surname of the elected Cardinal], qui sibi Nomen imposuit [Pontifical Name].

This translates to:

"I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!
The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord, Lord [Forename of the elected Cardinal], Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church [Surname of the elected Cardinal], who has taken the name [Pontifical Name]."

The First Papal Blessing

After the announcement, the newly elected Pope steps out onto the balcony to greet the gathered faithful in St. Peter's Square for the first time. He then imparts his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) blessing. This initial blessing is a powerful moment, signifying the beginning of his pontificate and his spiritual guidance to both Rome and the global Catholic community.

Summary of Conclave's End

The table below summarizes the sequence of events at the conclusion of a papal conclave:

Event Description Significance
Election & Acceptance A cardinal receives two-thirds of votes and formally accepts the election. The formal act of choosing and accepting the role of Supreme Pontiff.
Choosing Papal Name The newly elected Pope selects his regnal name. Establishes his new identity and often signals his pontifical priorities.
White Smoke & Bells White smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel chimney, accompanied by bells. The universal sign that a new Pope has been elected and accepted.
Habemus Papam! The senior Cardinal Deacon announces the new Pope from St. Peter's balcony. The official public declaration of the new Pope's identity and chosen name.
First Urbi et Orbi Blessing The new Pope imparts his first blessing to the city of Rome and the world. The commencement of his pastoral ministry and blessing upon the global faithful.

The conclusion of a conclave is a deeply significant and historically rich event, representing the continuity of the papacy and the enduring spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. For more detailed information on the conclave process, you can refer to resources from reputable sources like Vatican News.