Eligo in Summun Pontificem’: how cardinals fill in their ballots to elect the new Pope
The voting process in the Conclave is a solemn and secret ritual, in which each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a special ballot.
The Conclave is one of the most important and solemn events in the Catholic Church, where cardinals gather to elect the new Pope. This process takes place in the Sistine Chapel, a setting rich in history and symbolism. The election of the pope is an act of great responsibility and spirituality, carried out under a strict and detailed protocol.
Preparations and Oath
Before voting begins, the cardinals participate in a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, known as the Mass for the Election of the Supreme Pontiff (Missa Pro Eligendo Pontifice). After the Mass, the cardinals process to the Sistine Chapel while singing the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Once inside, each cardinal takes a solemn oath to maintain the secrecy of the conclave and to vote according to conscience and for the good of the Church.
The Ballot
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The ballot used in the Conclave is a rectangular piece of paper with the words “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) printed at the top. Below this inscription, there is a blank space where each cardinal writes the name of his candidate. This simple yet meaningful design underscores the seriousness and significance of the act of voting.
The Voting Procedure
The voting process is meticulous and carried out over multiple rounds until a candidate receives at least two-thirds of the votes. After writing down the name of his candidate, each cardinal folds the ballot twice and carries it to the altar. One by one, the cardinals place their ballots into a special urn, aloud declaring an oath that they have voted according to their conscience.