Ballots are then burned with a special chemical giving off smoke that outsiders can see and which burns black to white when the new pope has been chosen.
The process will continue until one candidate has been given the required majority to be elected as the next Pope.
The Decision
This election will be the first ever to take place under some newly made rules. Pope John Paul II altered the rules in 1996, and previously the Pope had to receive a majority of two-thirds plus one extra vote to be elected. However, under the new rules there will be an initial stage of voting where a two-thirds majority is required, but then if necessary an additional vote will take place if the number of those voting is not exactly divisible by three.
After a certain point of several days in deadlock, then the Cardinals can decide to change the procedure to allow a candidate to win via receiving just a simple 51% majority.
After three days of balloting has taken place then voting may be suspended for a maximum of one full day to allow a pause for prayer, informal meetings and a "brief spiritual exhortation".
If after all this a Pope still cannot be decided on, then the Chamberlain may invite the Cardinals to say how they want to continue. The necessary two-thirds majority can be dropped provided that more than 50% of the Cardinals agree on this, and the election may then move on searching for a simple majority.
In addition the Cardinals may also restrict the voting to just 2 candidates – the ones who received the greatest votes in the preceding ballot, and in this case the Cardinal who wins just over half of the votes will be elected.
After the election, a document is made giving the results of the election at each stage of voting and this is given to the new Pope. It will be kept in an archive in a sealed envelope, which may only be opened if the Pope grants permission.
The outside world knows nothing regarding how the voting process is going barring the black or white smoke that emerges twice a day from the roof. White finally indicating that a new Pope has been chosen, as well as this year for the first time - the bells of the Vatican will be rung.
New Pope Announced to the World
The Elected Pope is then approached and asked, "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"
The new Pope is then asked not to refuse the papacy but to submit to the divine will – "God who imposes the burden will sustain him with his hand, so that he will be able to bear it. In conferring the heavy task upon him, God will also help him to accomplish it and, in giving him the dignity, he will grant him the strength not to be overwhelmed by the weight of his office."
Once the elected one gives consent then the new Pope is asked, "By what name do you wish to be called?"
Some give this thought in advance as they see the vote drifting their way, but others may face making a highly symbolic choice on the spot.
Once a name is chosen then the Cardinals will approach the new Pope and make an act of homage and obedience. The new Pope will be given and fitted with their new robes.
Then a traditional announcement will be made in St Peter’s Square stating, "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum... habemus papam!" - "I announce to you a great joy... we have a pope!"
The name is then revealed and after the doors of the balcony will be opened for the new Pontiff to make his first public appearance. After some introductory statements he will give a traditional blessing, "Urbi et Orbi" – "To the City and the World", and a new era for the Roman Catholic Church will begin.
