Pope's election

Pope Benedict XVI resigns

*The present Pope , the Head of the Catholic Church has  resigned and step down on 28th Feb.2013.

* Ripen age and deteriorating health made him to resign.

* There are 120 crore Catholics in the world.

* A new Pope will be elected by the Cardinals. 

* These Cardinals are the high priests appointed by Pope , every country has atleast one.

* At present there are 121 Cardinals . 

* Those who are less than  80 years of age are eligible  to vote (  there are 118 Cardinals).

* All the eligible Cardinals ( called electrol college) will assemble in Vatican to take part in  the election.

* The Pope's election is a peculiar type of election. No one contests. No propaganda, no personal canvassing.

* All the Cardinals will enter into Sistine Chapel for conclave ( secret assembly to elect the Pope ) )

* They will take oath to observe the sanctity of the election.

* Once the Cardinals enter, the doors will be closed. 

* To help very sick Cardinals nurses are allowed.

* Cooks are allowed to prepare food.

* Two doctors are allowed to take care of the sick.

* Election will start. No contestants. No canvassing, No influenzing.

* A paper will be given wherein written, " I will elect Supreme Pondiff -----------"

* Cardinals will write the name of the cardinal whom they consider the most  fitting person."

*  At the end,  the votes will be counted.

* To get elected, two third majority is required, ( If 120 cardinals are there, 80 votes are required)

* If nobody gets it, the ballot papers will be burnt and black smoke will  be allowed to  come out in the chimney.

* Black smoke is an indication to the people gathered outside to know  " New Pope is  not elected."

* Two times morning and two times evening, the election will conducted till some one gets elected.

* Once a Cardinal gets two third majority, he will be declared elected.

* White smoke will be sent in the chimney to inform out siders,"New Pope is elected."

* The newly eleted Pope will be taken to a room to wear the  tradtional dress of " Pope ".

* New Pope  will be brought to the balcony to bless the waiting people.

* The longest Pope election took place from November 1268 to Sep 1271.( nearly three years )

* The shotest election took place from 7th April to9th April 1378 ( three days )

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feb 2013