The process of selecting a new pope, known as a papal conclave, is a solemn and secretive ritual steeped in centuries of tradition. When the reigning pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals, a group of senior Catholic clergy, gathers in the Vatican to elect his successor.
The importance of choosing a pope cannot be overstated. The pope is the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and has a profound influence on the direction of the Catholic Church. The is a complex and often unpredictable process, but it is one that is essential for the continued functioning of the Church.
