During the conclave the cardinals reside within the Vatican, without any contact with the outside world. The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations will order all those not taking a direct part in the election to leave the Sistine Chapel instantly. Then a previously commissioned Preacher will be invited to give a meditation to the Electors on the grave task before them, on the need to act with right intention for the good of the Universal Church, having only God before their eyes. The preacher will be Maltese Cardinal Prospero Grech.

The only current valid form of electing the Pope is by scrutiny, a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, or two-thirds plus one when the total number of Electors does not divide into three equal parts.

Holding high the ballot, each Elector declares aloud: “I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.”

There is nothing prohibiting voting for someone outside the College of Cardinals. The last time a non-Cardinal was elected was in 1378, but this caused the Great Western Schism, which divided Christendom into rival factions for almost 40 years.

After the scrutiny all ballots are burned, ending up in the traditional smoke to announce the non-election (black smoke) or the election (white smoke) of the new Pontiff. In case of an election, the Dean will ask the newly-elected: “Do you accept our canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Having received his assent, the Dean continues: “By what name do you wish to be called?”

After the announcement of the name of the newly elected to the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, the new Pope will then make his appearance on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and impart his first Apostolic Blessing to the City and to the World.

Before choosing his 12 apostles, Christ spent the night praying. During the conclave our prayers are needed for the choice of the Supreme Pontiff.