What happens until the "Habemus Papam"?

After the so-called pre-conclave, in which all cardinals were able to take part, only those under the age of 80 move to the Sistine Chapel for the papal election. And so it continues:

Who took part in the pre-conclave?

All members of the College of Cardinals present at the pre-conclave had the right to speak and vote - including those over 80 years of age. Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re (91) was in the chair. Recently, the speeches have often centred on the challenges facing the Church and what this means for the next Pope.

Who is admitted to the papal election in the conclave?

133 cardinals take part in the papal election. Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Three cardinals from this age group have previously declined to take part.

Where are the papal electors staying?

Due to the shortage of rooms in the modern Vatican guesthouse Santa Marta, not all papal electors are staying there. Some have been accommodated in the neighbouring former guest house ("Old Santa Marta"). They travel to the Sistine Chapel on foot or by shuttle bus. The kitchen of the guest house cooks for the electors.

When does the conclave begin?

The mass "For the election of the Pope" (Latin: Missa pro eligendo Romano Pontifice) will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 am in St Peter's Basilica. Cardinal Dean Re will preside and preach. After lunch and a rest break, the procession into the Sistine Chapel will begin at 4.30 pm. Pietro Parolin, the most senior cardinal bishop, will lead the procession. Under Pope Francis, he was Cardinal Secretary of State and therefore number two in the Vatican.

When will smoke first come out of the chimney?

The first round of voting will take place early Wednesday evening after the swearing-in ceremony and a spiritual attunement. If no one achieves the required two-thirds majority, the ballot papers are simultaneously burnt with a blackening additive: Black smoke comes out of the chimney.

How many ballots and smoke signals will follow in the coming days?

In the mornings and afternoons, there will be a maximum of two ballots each. Black smoke always follows two unsuccessful ballots. As soon as a candidate has achieved the required number of votes, white smoke is sent through the chimney when the ballot papers are burnt. This can be the case after one or two ballots.

How many votes does the new pope need?

To be elected pope, a candidate must receive at least 89 valid votes. To prevent a candidate from being elected, a blocking minority of at least 45 votes is required.

What happens if there is no consensus?

If no candidate has achieved the required majority after three days of voting, there is a pause for reflection and prayer for a maximum of one day. If the majority has not been reached after a further seven ballots, another pause follows. The longest papal election of the 20th century lasted five days in 1922.

How is the new pope announced?

After a successful election, white smoke announces the end of the conclave. Once the elected pope has accepted the election in the circle of cardinals and given his papal name, he is clothed. Around 45 minutes after the white smoke, the highest-ranking cardinal deacon steps onto the blessing balcony of St Peter's Basilica and says the words "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam!". He then calls the name of the elected pope in Latin and finally his new papal name. The new Pope enters, gives a short speech and gives his first blessing as Bishop of Rome.