Choosing the new Pope

The Voting Process:

~ 9 cardinals are selected from 115 electors: 3 to count ballots, 3 to help sick cardinals vote, and 3 to verify the results.
~ 3 cardinals carry ballots to sick cardinals at Santa Marta.
~ Each cardinal writes one name under the Latin words "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" ( I elect as Supreme Pontiff...)

Counting the Votes:

~ At the altar each cardinal places his ballot on a plate covering an urn, and tilts it so the ballot slides into the urn.
~ The scrutinizers or ballot counters, read the name on each ballot aloud, write it down, then thread the ballot on a needle through the word Eligio.
~ The revisors check the ballots. If a candidate has received a two thirds majority, then a new pope has been elected.

Informing the World:

~ The scrutinizers burn the ballots, usually combining ballots from 2 votes. If a pope has been chosen, a chemical is added to make the smoke white.
~ If there is a winner, the new pope chooses his papal name. Minutes later, he grets the public from the St. Peter's balcony.


[Taken from: The New York Times International]