How is a new pope chosen? What we know about the ancient, secret process

Apnews - Apr 21st, 2025

The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has initiated the traditional papal succession process, known as 'sede vacante.' Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the current camerlengo, will oversee the Vatican's administrative functions until a new pope is elected. The College of Cardinals will convene for the conclave in the Sistine Chapel, following a strictly regulated sequence of events, including the funeral and nine days of mourning, during which they will elect a new leader for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. The election process is highly secretive, with cardinals under 80 years of age eligible to vote and bound by strict oaths of secrecy.

Pope Francis' death marks a significant moment in Catholic history, opening discussions on potential successors such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Luis Tagle. The rules governing the conclave, largely set by St. John Paul II and amended by Benedict XVI, require a two-thirds majority for a new pope's election. This ancient ritual highlights the Vatican's blend of tradition and modernity, impacting not only the Catholic Church but also global religious and political landscapes. The new pope's election will be signaled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel and announced with the proclamation 'Habemus Papam.'

Cardinals Pope Francis Catholic Church Vatican City Papal Succession Papal Conclave

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of the papal succession process, detailing the rituals and procedures following the death of a pope. It excels in clarity and readability, making complex Vatican traditions accessible to a broad audience. While it maintains a neutral tone and avoids bias, it could enhance its transparency and source quality by explicitly citing authoritative documents or expert opinions. The article addresses a topic of significant public interest, particularly relevant in light of recent events, but its potential for controversy and impact on public opinion is limited by its focus on procedural details rather than contentious issues. Overall, it serves as a reliable and informative piece for those interested in the inner workings of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed and accurate account of the papal succession process, aligning closely with established Vatican protocols and historical practices. It accurately describes the rituals following a pope's death, such as the role of the camerlengo, the conclave secrecy, and the voting process, including the requirement for a two-thirds majority. These details are corroborated by multiple authoritative sources and historical documents. However, the article could benefit from explicit citations to these sources to enhance verifiability.

Balance

The article maintains a neutral tone and focuses on the procedural aspects of the papal succession without showing bias towards any particular candidate or faction within the Catholic Church. It provides a comprehensive overview of the process, including the roles of various Vatican officials and the eligibility criteria for electors, ensuring a balanced representation of the topic. However, it could include more perspectives on potential reforms or controversies surrounding the process to provide a fuller picture.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, precise language to convey complex procedures in an accessible manner. It logically progresses through the stages of the papal succession process, ensuring that readers can easily follow the sequence of events. The use of subheadings and straightforward explanations contributes to the overall clarity and readability of the piece.

Source quality

The article likely relies on well-established sources given its alignment with known Vatican practices, but it does not explicitly cite these sources, which affects the perceived credibility. The use of AP News as a source suggests a level of reliability, yet the lack of direct attribution to specific documents or experts leaves room for improvement in demonstrating the authority and thoroughness of the reporting.

Transparency

While the article clearly explains the papal election process and rituals, it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. The absence of direct citations or references to specific Vatican documents or expert opinions limits the reader's ability to assess the basis of the claims made. Including such information would enhance the transparency and credibility of the article.