Sacred College of Cardinals Cardinals attending a mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on March 12, 2013, before entering the papal conclave to elect the next pope. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected the next day and became Pope Francis. (more) How Is the Pope Elected? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/How-Is-the-Pope-Elected Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Apr 7, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Sacred College of CardinalsCardinals attending a mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on March 12, 2013, before entering the papal conclave to elect the next pope. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected the next day and became Pope Francis.Michael Kappeler—picture alliance/Getty Images A new pope is elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church through a procedure known as the papal conclave, which takes place in Vatican City after a pope dies or resigns. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and the selection is typically made from among the cardinals themselves, although ...(100 of 358 words)

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