The Conclave
Once all the cardinals have arrived, the conclave begins with a special morning Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, the cardinals walk to the Sistine Chapel -- with its iconic Michelangelo frescoes -- to start the voting process.
The vote is held behind closed doors, and its secrecy is closely guarded. The chapel is checked for hidden microphones and cameras, and the cardinals are not allowed to talk about the proceedings with anyone outside the group. If they do, they could be excommunicated.
The Vote
Inside the Sistine Chapel, paper ballots are passed out to each cardinal, who writes the name of their chosen candidate below the words "Eligo in Summen Pontificem" (Latin for "I elect as supreme pontiff"). Cardinals cannot vote for themselves.
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When they're done, each cardinal -- in order of seniority -- walks to an altar to ceremoniously place his folded ballot into a chalice. The votes are then counted up and the result is read to the cardinals.
If a cardinal has received two-thirds of the vote, he becomes the new pope.
If there is no pope, as many as four votes a day -- two in the morning and two in the afternoon -- can be held on the second, third and fourth days of the conclave. The fifth day is set aside to break for prayer and discussion, and then voting can continue for an additional seven rounds. After that, there's another break and the pattern resumes.
The Big Reveal
Traditionally, about 30 to 60 minutes after the white smoke, the new pope will appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, if he's not elected pope himself, will announce the words "Habemus Papam" (Latin for "We have a pope") and introduce the new pope by his chosen papal name.
The new pope will then speak briefly and say a prayer. His formal coronation will take place days after his election. The last two popes have been inaugurated in St. Peter's Cathedral.
Now we wait... ~The Mark & Kristin Show (Thanks to our friends @CNN)
