This is my first Public posting in Religion. A time honored tradition will be followed.
First, the death of the current Pope will be verified by the Carmelina, the head of the Sacred College of Cardinals, who follows specific procedures, such as the breaking of the papal ring and seal. The Pope is buried and nine days of mourning follow.
Fifteen to 20 days after the Pope's death, the Cardinals meet to elect the next Pontiff. The election, known as a conclave, is held in a sealed and secure part of the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under the age of 80 vote, and secret written ballots are used. The Carmelina and three assistants count the ballots.
Four ballots are taken each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until a vote is successful. The ballots are burned after each vote, and if the vote is unsuccessful, a substance is added to the fire to produce black smoke. Thus, black smoke indicates to the waiting crowd that the voting continues, while white smoke signals that a new Pope has been chosen. When a candidate has been chosen, the dean asks him if he accepts the papacy. If he does, he is appointed Bishop of Rome and is announced. Then he appears on the balcony of the Vatican. !! He is the Pope
My bet, is that Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio -who is still known as "Father Jorge" to many members, will be chosen.
JXP
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