Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope

Preparations are under way to begin the process of electing the successor to the late Pope John Paul II.

Roman Catholic cardinals held a special mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome this morning. This afternoon, the cardinals who are eligible to vote – 115 in total – will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave during which voting will take place.

In order to choose a new pontiff, a majority two-third vote is required. It is not unusual for several votes to take place until a new Pope is elected. The new pontiff could be elected as early as this afternoon, but if not, the voting will continue – four rounds each day – until a majority vote is achieved.

Pope John Paul II was elected after eight votes, but voting has been known to continue for longer than that.

The results of each ballot will be made known by the burning of the ballot papers in a fire. Chemicals are added to the smoke, turning it either black or white. Black smoke indicates that a Pope has not been chosen, while white smoke indicates that a Pope has been elected.

A number of strict security measures are in place to ensure that the vote is kept secret, including a ban on televisions, mobile phones and newspapers and a sweep of the chapel for listening devices.

German-born Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is believed to be the favourite to become the new Pope.

Pope John Paul II died on April 2. His funeral was held in Rome on April 8.

(KMcA/GB)