Conclave Info

Conclave is a Latin word. Con means with, Clavis means a key. It is used in connection with the meeting of cardinals in Rome’s Sistine Chapel to elect a pope. Once the door is closed, nobody can get in or out until a Pope is selected. There are windows used to deliver food and fresh clothing and to get the garbage and dirty clothes. There are 220 plus cardinals but only 135 can vote. The one who gets two third of the votes of the 135 cardinals becomes the Pope.

Q. What is baptized name and Papal name of Pope Francis?

A. The baptismal name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio. When asked what is your Papal name, “Francisco, Francisco, Francis.”

Q. The 2025 conclave to elect a new Pope will stand on May 7. There are 135 voting cardinals. By 2/3 vote, how many votes will the new Pope need?

A. 90 votes.

Q. The Sistine Chapel door will be locked once the 135 cardinals get in and will be opened only after a pope is elected. 220 plus cardinals but only 135 can vote, why?

A. 80-year cardinals cannot vote because if they can also be nominated. An 80 years old cardinal if elected Pope by the laws of averages, may be physically and mentally fit but he does not have the stamina movement of a 60 year cardinal. This includes ability to clearly hear, see, write, walk, speak, while standing for hours. Papal activities will have to show down indifference to the Pope. The visits to nations and international meetings will depend on the health of the pope. Now you know why.

Q. What is the meaning of black and white smoke?

A. Read part 2 of this Article next week.