Next steps after the election as Pope

After the election of the Pope by the conclave, a series of codified procedures take place very quickly. Here is what happens, step by step:

1. Acceptance of the election

The dean (or senior cardinal among the electors) asks the cardinal-elect:

‘Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?’

If the cardinal accepts (and in modern history no one has ever refused), his election becomes valid immediately.

2. Choice of papal name

The elected person is asked:

‘What do you want to be called?’

The new Pope communicates the chosen name, which is then announced to the people.

3. Vestibation

The Pope retires to the so-called Room of Tears (next to the Sistine Chapel), where he wears the white pontiff’s robe for the first time. He is given three suits of different sizes.

4. Oath of allegiance

The new Pope takes his first oath of allegiance to the Church and its mission.

5. Announcement to the people (Habemus Papam)

The Cardinal Protodeacon appears at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and pronounces the formula:

‘Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam…’
(‘I announce to you a great joy: we have a Pope…’)

This is followed by the baptismal name and the name chosen as pontiff.

6. First Urbi et Orbi blessing

The new Pope appears in turn from the balcony and pronounces his first Urbi et Orbi blessing, often preceded by a personal greeting and a few improvised words.

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