Papal Election Law

Papal Election Law

A new Pope shall be elected at conclave of the eligile Colege of Cardinals - meeting no sooner than 15 days after the pope's death. A majority of two-thirds of those Cardinals present and eligible to vote shall elect. (2/3 plus one where there are an equal college of three thirds parts. Only Cardinals in soundness of status without infirmity of faculty or disability and whose 80th birthday has not occurred before the pope's death; may exercise a vote for the new pontiff. Ordinarily a priest and Bishop are selected -which man on acceptance instantly becomes the Bishop of Rome. If not a Bishop - he is immediately consecrated on arriving to Rome. These procedures were moderately changed and affirmed by Pope John Paul II - each Pope has the Supreme Authority to establish rules for his successor's choice [in consultation with his bishops and cardinals]. Cardinals govern the Holy See until a new pope is selected; and can make no changes or new orders until then. By reason of the Roman Catholic Church, participating Cardinals and the new pope must be roman - that is - of the Roman rite of the Catholic Church. A link for the Vatican Constitution of 1996 by which a new pope shall be elected. http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_22021996_universi-dominici-gregis_en.html