Papal Conclave

Statement from Bishop Edward Malesic as the conclave begins

As I continue to mourn the death of Pope Francis, I also eagerly look forward to hearing the joyous news of the successor to St. Peter being named. I am sure that the Lord will provide the Pope we need for our times. When I contemplate the awesome responsibility of the Pope to lead the 1.4 billion Catholic faithful around the world, I am drawn to the homily Pope St. John Paul II gave prior to the conclave during which he was elected as pope.

Read his entire statement

What happens after the pope dies?

The death of a pope marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to the eventual start of a conclave and election of a new Successor of St. Peter.

Click here to read an article from Vatican News.

Conclave Notes

• In modern times, the conclave has begun between 15 and 20 days after the death of the pope.
• Begins with a Mass asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in selecting a new vicar of Christ
• Only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to vote.
• Conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel.
• Ballots are taken twice a day (2 ballots per round)
• Two-thirds of the vote is needed
• Ballots are burned after each round (black smoke = no pope; white spoke = new pope)

Further Reading

• How the conclave works: It's guided by a rule book and a prayer book (USCCB)
• Past conclaves give idea of when to watch for smoke from Sistine Chapel

Click on image to get a larger PDF view

Prayers during the Conclave

O God, eternal shepherd,
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Suggested Collect from the USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship during the Conclave

My Daily Prayers

Sign up for My Daily Prayers that will include prayers during the conclave.  My Daily Prayers includes insights and Catholic prayers recited by Bishop Malesic, Bishop Woost and priests from the diocese.  Click here to sign up for My Daily Prayers.