The way to the Pope: This is how the new head is chosen!

The way to the Pope: This is how the new head is chosen!

Vatikan, Italien - The Pope is not only the bishop of Rome, but also the head of the Roman Catholic Church and is considered the successor to the apostle Peter. This high office is usually held for life, but in rare cases, as in the case of Benedict XVI. In 2013, to resigns. In practice, a cardinal is elected to the Pope, although every male Catholic, male, could run formally. The election process takes place in the conclave, a protected assembly of the cardinals entitled to vote.

After the death or resignation of a Pope, the violence is restorable and a phase called Sedisvakanz begins. This time brings with it both spiritual and church implications. The sedis vacancy officially ends when a new Pope has been elected. The Camerlengo, the treasurer of the Holy Roman Church, plays a central role: he determines the death of the Pope and breaks the annulus piscatoris, the fishing ring of the deceased. During this transition period, the Cardinal College becomes active, which takes over the management of the church.

The election process in the conclave

On May 7, 2025, the conclave will come together to choose a new Pope. The choice is made in the Sistine chapel to the exclusion of the public. Every cardinal entitled to vote, who is usually under 80 years old, takes part in this secret vote. A candidate has to receive a two -thirds majority and has to accept the choice before choosing a papal name.

After each vote, the smoke from the chimney of the Sistine chapel signals whether a new Pope was chosen. Black smoke stands for a failed ballot, while white smoke announces the choice of a new Pope. The announcement is then made on the balcony of the St. Peter's Basilica with the words "Habemus Papam".

The importance of the sedis vacancy

The Sedisvacanz is a time of internal upheaval, in which the Apostolic Chamber manages the business of the Apostolic chair. During this time, the shops of popes, such as the enactment of new bulls or rescripts, are exposed. The Camerlengo and selected cardinals continue to run the necessary business, but they are not allowed to make far -reaching decisions.

An essential cultural symbol during the Sedisvacanz is the special coat of arms that, instead of a Tiara crossed, reflects and an open umbrella. In addition, special stamps are issued in the Vatican, which document the period of the sedis vacancy.

The last sedism vacancy after the resignation of Benedict XVI. lasted 13 days. This time is considered sacred by the Catholic community, since it includes the grief for the deceased Pope and the hope of the new leader of the church. The influence of factors such as origin, language and theological skills are essential in the selection process of future papal generation.

To become a Pope, it is necessary to have a long church career behind you and to show international networking and management experience in the church. The likelihood of actually becoming a pope is very low, since only about 130 cardinals are entitled to vote among over 400,000 priests.

For the Roman Catholic Church, the process of choice of pope is far more than just an organizational matter. It is a spiritual renewal based on traditions and the faith of the worldwide -distributed Catholics. These special processes and the associated customs reflect the deeply rooted values ​​and the endeavors of the church to be present in the world.

As the further developments in the current process of the sedis vacancy showed, the need for a stable and united leadership is becoming increasingly decisive. The Catholic Community is eagerly looking at the upcoming decisions.

Further information on the processes and terms can be found at rnd.de and mdr.de .