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1. Death & Confirmation: The Pope’s death is formally verified by the Camerlengo (Chamberlain), who then takes charge of the Church’s daily affairs.
2. Papal Funeral & Mourning: A nine-day mourning period (called Novemdiales) follows, during which the Pope is buried, usually in St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. Sealing the Apartment: The Pope’s private apartments are sealed off and his papal ring is destroyed to symbolize the end of his authority.
4. Calling the Conclave: Cardinals under age 80 are summoned to Rome. They meet in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave, the official election process.
5. The Election: Voting begins in secret. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope. If there’s no decision, ballots continue daily.
6. White Smoke: White smoke signals a successful election (black smoke means no decision yet). The new Pope accepts and chooses a papal name.
7. Public Announcement: The senior Cardinal Deacon announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the new Pope appears to bless the crowd.
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