Countdown to the Conclave, Day 1: Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Conclave be held?
The Conclave of Cardinals will most likely start next week, between March 5th and 8th, according to an informed observer. Vatican law requires a Conclave commence 15 to 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant.
How long will the Conclave last?
The Conclave will probably last one to three days. Benedict XVI was elected on the 4th ballot in 2005. The last Conclave to go more than five days was in 1831, which lasted 54 days.
How many cardinals will be voting?
Of the more than 200 cardinals attending the Conclave only those who are under 80 years of age are eligible, approximately 115. At least one cardinal is not attending: Cardinal Keith O'Brien has chosen to stay away because of allegations of improper relations with other priests.
How does the voting proceed?
The first ballot may be held on the afternoon of the first day. But if no one is elected or no ballot is held, four ballots are held on each day following, two in the morning, two in the afternoon. If there is no result after three days, a day of prayer and address by the Senior Cardinal Deacon is held, followed by seven further ballots. If there is still no result, another day of prayer and an address by the senior Cardinal Priest can be called. If there is no result after another seven ballots, the senior Cardinal Bishop makes the address on a day of prayer. If seven more ballots do not elect a pope, there will be a day of prayer, followed by a balloting on only two names -- those having received the most votes in the last ballot.
How many votes are needed to elect a new pope?
According to the procedures formalized by Pope John Paul II in his apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, as modified on February 25, 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI in his apostlolic letter issued motu propio,(on his own authority), Regarding the Election of the Roman Pontiff, a two-thirds supermajority vote is required to elect the new pope. Acceptance from the person elected is also a requirement.
The complete article is at Catholic Online.