As the Catholic Church prepares for the eventual succession of Pope Francis, attention turns to one of the world’s most secretive and spiritually charged events: the Papal Conclave.

Held behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, this sacred process determines who will wear the white cassock and step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as the next pope.

This centuries-old tradition blends solemnity with strict protocol, all underpinned by a vow of total secrecy — breaking it results in automatic excommunication.

Here’s how the next pontiff will be chosen:

Preparations

1. The Cardinals’ Lock-In

Cardinals under the age of 80 — known as cardinal electors — will relocate to the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, a modest accommodation where they will live under lockdown.

There, they swear not to communicate with the outside world, and any breach of this sacred silence could result in excommunication.

The rules are designed to ensure the Holy Spirit, not politics or external pressure, guides their decision.

2. Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica

On the morning of the conclave, the cardinals attend a solemn “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, invoking divine guidance.

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3. Procession to the Chapel

In the afternoon, adorned in their distinctive choir dress — scarlet cassock, white rochet, and scarlet mozetta — the electors gather in the Pauline Chapel.

They collectively pray for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom before processing into the Sistine Chapel, their final destination for voting.

4. Chapel Swept for Surveillance

Security is airtight. The Sistine Chapel is meticulously swept for hidden recording devices to preserve the sanctity and secrecy of the vote.

5. Swearing the Oath

Inside the chapel, cardinals take a solemn oath, promising to fulfil the papal office if elected and to maintain secrecy.

According to Vatican protocol, the gravity of the commitment is not taken lightly.

Election

1. Ballots and Rolls

Ballots are handed out, and lots are drawn to assign nine crucial roles: three scrutineers to count the votes, three infirmarii to assist sick cardinals, and three revisers to double-check results.

2. “Extra Omnes” — Everyone Out

At the command of “Extra omnes,” all non-voting personnel exit. The Sistine Chapel doors are sealed, marking the official start of the conclave.

3. Casting Votes

Each ballot begins with the Latin phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”), followed by a blank space.

Electors discreetly write their choice and fold the paper twice to ensure anonymity.

4. The Oath and the Urn

Cardinals carry their folded ballots visibly, then take an oath aloud before placing their vote into a silver urn using a plate.

“I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who, before God, I think should be elected,” each says.

5. Voting for the Infirm

Cardinals who are too ill to walk to the altar have their ballots submitted by a scrutineer. If bedridden, infirmarii collect their votes from the guesthouse, even writing down the chosen name if necessary.

6. Vote Counting

Scrutineers mix and count the ballots, transferring them into a second container to confirm their number matches the count of electors.

One scrutineer reads each name aloud as the ballots are strung together. The revisers carefully review the tally for errors.

7. No Winner? Vote Again

A two-thirds majority is required for an election. If no one reaches that threshold, the cardinals vote again. Up to four votes can occur daily — two in the morning, two in the afternoon.

8. Smoke Signals

After each vote, the ballots and any notes are burned in a stove. Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke announces to the world that a new pope has been chosen.

The dramatic moment, often captured live on television, is aided by chemical additives that turn the smoke the appropriate colour.

9. Stalemate Procedure

If no pope is elected after three days, the conclave pauses for a day of prayer and reflection. After seven more rounds with no result, another pause follows.

If the deadlock persists through four pauses, the cardinals may opt to vote only between the two most popular candidates, with a simple majority deciding the outcome.

10. Acceptance of Election

Once a candidate secures the required votes, they are asked: “Do you accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he becomes pope immediately, even before being publicly introduced.

As the Catholic Church prepares for a new chapter, all eyes will be drawn to the tiny chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

In an age of leaks and live feeds, the conclave remains one of the last great secrets — a ritual steeped in tradition, faith, and the enduring mystery of divine selection.

Human rights activist and Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, Harrison Gwamnishu, has advised people to walk out of abusive marriages. He stated this while reacting to allegations that the husband of Shimite Bello Love, the Special Adviser to Delta State Governor, on Trade and Export, was allegedly behind her d3ath.  Shimite passed away in the early hours of Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was rushed to, for medical treatment.  It was gathered that Shimites body was found after her maid called her elder brother, expressing concern that the husband had locked her in the house all day.  Her brother rushed over and found her inside the house with foam already coming out of her mouth.  He took her to the hospital but she was declared dead on arrival.  Information coming in is alleging that Pastor Favour Love is behind her wife’s death and now in police custody. Families are saying she’s been enduring her marriage. #LeaveAndLive Keep resting Shimite, Gwamnishu wrote.     The post Leave and live – Harrison Gwamnishu says as he reacts to allegations against Shimite’s husband after her d3ath appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 following a long battle with bilateral pneumonia.

In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu hailed the late Pope as a “humble servant of God” and a “tireless champion of the poor.”

He acknowledged the pontiff’s enduring commitment to justice, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

“Today, with a heavy heart, I join Catholic faithful and Christians around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis — a guiding light for millions,” Tinubu said. “His passing, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, is a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”

READ ALSO: Pope Francis, a Janitor who turned Pope, dies at 88 — A look at his life, legacy and impact on Nigerian Catholics

Tinubu highlighted the Pope’s vocal advocacy for the developing world, noting his efforts to spotlight economic inequality and promote peace in conflict-ridden regions.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice and reminded us that our common home — this Earth — is a gift we must protect for future generations,” the president added.

Calling on Nigerians and the global community to honour Pope Francis’ legacy through action, Tinubu urged people to “lift those who are down, heal our communities, and defend the dignity of every person.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected as the head of the Catholic Church in 2013 at the age of 76. He was widely respected for his humility, progressive views, and strong voice on social issues.

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READ ALSO: How is a new pope elected? Everything you should know [Pulse Explainer]