Today a friend ask me how many Cardinals there are and how do they go about selecting a Pope? With all the news about the Pope’s health, how should I answer?
Today a friend ask me how many Cardinals there are and how do they go about selecting a Pope? With all the news about the Pope’s health, how should I answer?
There are currently 119 Cardinals that qualify for voting (they must be under a certain age).
They gather together in the conclave, and are to have no contact outside the conclave until a new Pope is selected.
Once inside, the general procedure is to first discuss as a group the direction they want to see the Church go. This is less a theological slant as areas of emphasis. They may feel that a certain area or areas need strict attantion. This process helps determine who may be the best fit.
I’m not sure anyone really knows if there is a formal nomination process or campaign, or what. But 2/3 of the Cardinals must finally agree on the new Pope.
When a new Pope is elected, the smoke changes, letting everyone know a new Pope has been elected.
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