What happens after the College of Cardinals elects a new pope? Quite a lot, both behind the scenes and in public.
St. John Paul II laid out updated norms for the process in his 1996 apostolic constitution, “Universi Gregoris Dominici,” with additional modifications made by Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for what happens after a new pope has been elected:
Burning of Ballots – After the elected accepts his election – which formally ends the conclave, and by which he also immediately becomes the Bishop of Rome – the ballots are burned with a chemical additive to produce white smoke, signaling to the world that a pope has been chosen. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica also ring in celebration.
Thanksgiving and Homage – The cardinal electors make an act of homage and obedience to the new pope, followed by an act of thanksgiving to God.
Vestments and Reflection – The new pope heads to the Room of Tears, a small chamber in the sacristy of the Sistine Chapel, for a brief moment of private reflection. While there, he will be dressed in white papal vestments, prepared ahead of time in three sizes (small, medium and large).
Public Announcement – The protodeacon (the most senior deacon) of the College of Cardinals steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims “habemus papam” (“we have a pope”), introducing the new pope first by his baptismal name in Latin, and then by his chosen papal name.
First Apostolic Blessing – The new pope appears on the balcony and gives his first “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and to the World”) blessing to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square and to all people.
Inauguration Mass – Within days of his election (in Pope Francis’ case, it was six), the new pope formally inaugurates his ministry as pope and Bishop of Rome during a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. At the liturgy, the new pope receives the pallium – a circular band of white wool, with six small black crosses, that is worn about the neck and shoulders only by the pope and, following his authorization, archbishops. The new pope also receives the papal ring, known as the fisherman’s ring.
Once elected, the new pope remains in Rome (the late Pope Francis never again visited his native Argentina after his selection), and his travels, along with every other facet of his life, will be carefully and prayerfully coordinated, as he is now the successor of St. Peter.
