Papal election

A Papal election, called a conclave, is the process by which the College of Cardinals selects a new pope. When a pope dies or resigns, cardinals from around the world gather in Vatican City to vote. They deliberate in seclusion, often over several rounds, until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. The process is carefully organized to ensure neutrality and secrecy, including the use of white smoke signals to indicate a new pope has been chosen. The elected pope then accepts the office and chooses his papal name, becoming the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.