Papal election

The Faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh join Catholics and many others around the world in prayerful celebration following the announcement of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 266th successor of Saint Peter.

“With joy and gratitude, I welcome the news of Pope Leo XIV’s election,” said Bishop David Zubik. “We pray for him as he begins his ministry as the Holy Father. May he be a source of Christ’s love, mercy, and unity for the Church and for the world.”

Bishop Zubik celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at Saint Paul Cathedral (Oakland) in prayerful support of the new pope on Monday, May 12th at 7:00 pm. The Mass was broadcasted on Comcast channel 95 in the City of Pittsburgh and on www.ChristianAssociatesTV.org. It was also livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.

The senior cardinal first asks him if he accepts the election. If he does, he immediately becomes pope at that moment, the white smoke is sent up, and the bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica are rung. The new pope chooses a new name, typically related to saints or popes whose example he wants to follow. 

He is vested in the papal white cassock, choosing from among several sizes that have been prepared for the occasion. The senior cardinal-deacon, currently Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, head of the Vatican’s highest court, will introduce him publicly from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He will use the Latin “habemus papam” for “we have a pope” and give his old and new names. The new pope will greet the people, then bless the city of Rome and the entire world.

After the cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel to start the conclave and take their oaths of secrecy, the papal master of liturgical ceremonies proclaims "extra omnes" ("everyone out"). The cardinals will then listen to 90-year-old Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who they chose to offer a meditation "concerning the grave duty incumbent on them and thus on the need to act with right intention for the good of the Universal Church."

Cardinal Cantalamessa, a world-renowned preacher, was appointed preacher of the papal household by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and was reappointed by Pope Benedict XIV and Pope Francis. In that position for 44 years, he preached to the pope and many of his advisors. He retired in late 2024.

After his homily, there will be prayers and an explanation of the rules for the election of a pope.
The cardinals will decide whether they want to cast their first ballots that evening. They chose to have a first ballot in the evening during the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict and the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.

The cardinals' ballots, mixed with a chemical coloring, are burned in a stove in the Sistine Chapel. Different chemicals produce either white or black smoke, providing updates to the outside world.

Beginning the second day, they vote four times daily until they reach the necessary two-thirds majority. If, after three days, no one is elected, the cardinal electors break for a day of prayer and reflection. 
 
If, after seven more ballots, there is still no pope, they take another break. If there is no pope after 33 ballots, the rules require a run-off between the top candidates.