Accra, April 21, GNA – Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has officially entered a period known as sede vacante – Latin for “empty seat” – marking the absence of a pontiff on the throne of St. Peter.
During this time, the Pope’s official seal and ring, which are used to issue papal documents, are ceremonially destroyed to prevent misuse.
A senior cardinal, known as the Camerlengo or Chamberlain, assumes limited administrative powers as the interim head of the Catholic Church.
The sede vacante period lasts several weeks, during which the Pope’s body lies in state, his funeral is held, and the College of Cardinals prepares to convene for a conclave to elect a new pope.
The Conclave
The conclave, the centuries-old ritual to select a new pope, is held in the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its Michelangelo frescoes. Only cardinals under the age of 80, referred to as cardinal electors, are eligible to vote.
Of the 252 cardinals worldwide, 135 are eligible electors: 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, and four from Oceania. Italy has the highest number of eligible voters with 17, followed by the United States with 10 and Brazil with seven.
The term “conclave” originates from the Latin phrase meaning “with key,” reflecting the strict isolation under which cardinals remain until a new pope is elected. They reside at the Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican grounds, with no access to phones, internet, or external communication.
Election Process
Voting begins with a single ballot on the first day, followed by two voting sessions each morning and afternoon. A two-thirds majority, plus one, is required to elect a new pope.
If a consensus is not reached after three days, voting pauses for a day of prayer and discussion. The process then resumes until a successful outcome is achieved.
Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke indicates that a new pope has been chosen.
Proclamation of a New Pope
Once a cardinal accepts his election and selects a papal name, he dons pre-prepared papal vestments. He then receives the homage of his fellow cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel.
The senior cardinal deacon announces the news from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica with the traditional Latin declaration: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”).
The new pope then delivers his first blessing to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
A few days later, the new pontiff celebrates an inaugural Mass to formally begin his papacy.
Possibility of African Pope?
There is a possibility that, for the first time in centuries, the next pope could come from Africa or Asia, or another region traditionally underrepresented in the Church’s leadership.
Among the African cardinals being discussed are Ghana’s Peter Turkson, the former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo, archbishop of Kinshasa. Both are committed conservatives who have been vocal advocates for peace in their respective countries.
Another strong contender is Philippine Cardinal Luis Tagle, the former archbishop of Manila. Like Pope Francis, Tagle emphasises social justice and caring for the poor.
Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo is seen as a leading conservative candidate and could serve as a bridge to Eastern Christians. The archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Erdo, is a traditionalist who has championed outreach to Orthodox Christians, stressing the “desperate need” for unity between the churches.
Also in the mix is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s secretary of state, whose top diplomatic role ensures he is well known by all cardinals.
Other possible candidates include Italy’s Matteo Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, and Malta’s Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, a position that kept him in close contact with Pope Francis.
An African and what it will mean for Africans
If an African were elected pope or given a major role during or after the conclave, it would inspire millions of Catholics across the continent and reaffirm Africa’s integral role in the Church.
It could also spotlight African theological perspectives, cultural expressions of faith, and pastoral innovations.
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