The Papal Conclave: Voting Procedures Explained
Overview of the Voting Process
The election of a new pope occurs within the confines of a papal conclave, comprised of 133 cardinal electors. Each cardinal casts their vote using a paper ballot, which they will fold and carry to the altar in the Sistine Chapel. To ensure confidentiality, they must write their choice in a manner that prevents identification.
Voting for Infirm Cardinals
Cardinals unable to attend the conclave due to health issues can still participate. Votes from these members are submitted from their accommodations at the Domus Marthae Sanctae. The ballots are collected, secured in a lockbox, and then transported to the Sistine Chapel for counting.
Counting Votes
Votes are tallied by three appointed scrutineers. They authenticate each ballot and announce the results to the conclave, allowing cardinals to verify the count. Discrepancies between the number of voters and ballots cast result in those ballots being destroyed and a new round of voting initiated.
Election Threshold and Voting Rounds
A candidate must secure two-thirds of the votes to be elected pope. Typically, a maximum of four voting rounds can take place in one day. Should no candidate be chosen after three days, voting pauses for a 24-hour reflection period. This cycle of voting and breaks continues until a pope is elected.
Runoff Voting
If no selection is made within 33 to 34 votes, approximately 13 days, new rules set by Pope Benedict XVI mandate a runoff between the two leading candidates based on prior ballots. Notably, these candidates cannot vote during the runoff but must remain present.
Conclusion
The structured process of the papal conclave is designed to ensure a fair and private election of the pope, emphasizing both order and tradition within the Catholic Church.