Conclave for the Election of the new leader of the

Roman Catholic Church

12 March 2013

Pope Benedict XVI resigned at 8pm, Thursday, 28 February 2013, Vatican City

Vatican City in Rome

Where a new Pope will be chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church

Start of Conclave: 4.45p, Tuesday, 12 March 2013, Sistine Chapel.

This conclave will remain until a new Pope has been elected.

Voting Cardinals in the Conclave

There will be are 113 Cardinals that will come together in order to elect the next Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Voting

• The Cardinals will vote 4 times each day (twice in the morning, and twice in the afternoon)

• After 3 full days (i.e. Saturday, 16 March), voting is suspended for up to a full day ("to allow a pause for prayer, informal discussion among the voters, and a brief spiritual exhortation – that is speeches to influence a decision!)

• then 7 more ballots and another break of up to a full day • then 7 more ballots and another break of up to a full day • then 7 more ballots and then a break to consider how to proceed

How do we know there is a new Pope?

When a new Pope has been chosen: White Smoke will be seen coming from the chimney at

the top of the Sistine chapel and the bells at St. Peter's Basilica will also be rung)

• Note: only one "smoke signal" each morning and afternoon. If the first round of voting on a given morning or afternoon is successful (i.e., a pope is elected) then the white smoke will appear earlier.

• Black Smoke: will indicate that no Pope has yet been chosen

Let Us Pray

Dear Lord we pray that your Holy Spirit will inspire and guide the cardinals to chose wisely the next Pope and leader of the Roman Catholic. Amen.