What happens when a pope is elected?

What happens when a pope is elected?

On the death or abdication of a pope, his successor is elected by cardinals meeting in conclave in the Vatican’s world famous Sistine Chapel. If a new pope has been elected, the papers are burned with a substance that gives off white smoke, to signal the news to the waiting crowds outside.

How long is a pope in office?

How long are popes in office? Traditionally the pope is in office for life, though that’s not always the case – most recently with Benedict XVI, who resigned from the Holy See in 2013. The average papal tenure is seven years, with the longest held by St Peter (AD 30-64), who was pope for 34 years.

When a pope dies or retires the new pope is elected at?

conclave
Whether a Pope dies or retires, the same process takes place to elect a new one. Fifteen days after the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals begin conclave.

Can anyone be a pope?

Technically, the only requirements to become pope are that you be a male and a practicing Catholic. To become pope, begin by becoming a priest and working your way up through the Catholic hierarchy until you are elected by your peers.

Has a pope ever been killed?

Though no pope has been killed in recent times, there was an assassination attempt on Pope (now Saint) John Paul II in 1981. The attack was orchestrated by Mehmet Ali Ağca, who was aided by three accomplices. Mehmet Ali Ağca shot St. John Paul not only survived, but also went on to forgive his would-be assassin.

Can popes marry?

A number of them had offspring. The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood in the Latin Church….Popes who were legally married.

Name	Felix III
Reign(s)	(483–492)
Relationship	Widowed before he was elected as pope
Offspring	Yes

Who is in charge when pope dies?

camerlengo
The death of a pope puts into motion a formal, age-old process that includes certifying his death, arranging for the body to lie in state, organizing a funeral and preparing for the election of a successor. The pope’s chief of staff, or camerlengo, is in charge of all arrangements. The camerlengo: 1.

Can a pope be married?

The Second Lateran Council (1139) made the promise to remain celibate a prerequisite to ordination, abolishing the married priesthood in the Latin Church….Popes who were legally married.

Name	John XVII
Reign(s)	(1003)
Relationship	Married before his election as pope
Offspring	Yes (three sons)