Appointing a new Pope:

APPOINTING A NEW POPE

Officially declaring the death of a pope and then appointing another one is steeped in complex ritual and formality.

Hundreds of years of heavy symbolism come to a head when a pope dies.

The declaration of death, funeral and the choosing a new candidate is a carefully drawn out process.

It is the task of the the papal chamberlain to officially certify his death.

He traditionally does this by tapping the pope on the forehead with a little silver hammer three times.

With each blow he calls out to him by his baptismal name.

The chamberlain will then break the pope's Fisherman's ring and his seal, used to authenticate official papal documents.

They are usually buried with the pontiff four to six days after his body has lain in state. No autopsy is performed.

No longer than 29 days later all cardinals under the age of 80 meet in a conclave to vote on the pope's successor.

The word conclave comes from the latin "cum clave" or "with key."

It dates from the 13th century when the procedure was made to take place in a locked room to restrict outside influences and ensure a quick election.

The voting itself takes place amid great secrecy.

The cardinal-electors live in seclusion within the Vatican walls, meeting to debate and vote in the Sistine Chapel each day.

All but the cardinals leave the room and when actually writing their vote each elector disguises his handwriting.

Two thirds of the vote are needed to elect the new pope.

The victorious cardinal is approached and asked if he will take the title, and by what name he wants to be known by.

He is vested with the papal robes in the chapel and the cardinals offer homage.

Then the senior cardinal steps onto the papal balcony and calls out to the crowd "Annuntion vobis gaudium magnum, habemus papam!" I announce to you great joy, we have a new pope!