3rd Sunday of Easter

Why should we pray for Pope Francis? Isn’t he in heaven?

Catholics pray for a deceased pope just as they do for any member of the faithful who has died: to commend their soul to God’s mercy and, if needed, assist them through the purification of purgatory. Although the pope is the Church’s spiritual leader and often presumed to be holy, the Church does not assume anyone enters heaven immediately unless canonized as a saint. Even those who die in a state of grace may still need purification, and prayers, especially the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, are most efficacious in that process.

How is a new pope elected?

When a pope dies or resigns, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013, the process to elect a new pope begins. This period is called sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” During this time, the College of Cardinals oversees daily Church matters but cannot make major decisions. Cardinals under the age of 80 are called to a conclave in the Sistine Chapel, which starts about 15 to 20 days after the vacancy.  This conclave is scheduled to begin on Wednesday May 7th.

The cardinals are completely secluded to ensure secrecy and avoid outside influence. Voting is done by secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority is needed. Up to four votes occur each day and after each round, the ballots are burned with smoke rising from the chimney visible to those outside.  Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision; white smoke (fumata bianca) means a new pope has been chosen.

Once elected, the chosen cardinal is asked if he accepts and then selects a papal name. Soon after, the cardinal protodeacon announces from St. Peter’s Basilica, “Habemus Papam!”—“We have a pope!”—introducing the new pope to the world.