How a Pope Is Elected

For 900 years, electing a pope has been the prerogative of the College of Cardinals meeting in conclave. The cardinals meet in Rome 15 to 20 days after the death of a pope and pick a successor from among themselves in secret balloting. Pope John Paul II wrote the rules for electing his successor.

SOURCES: "When a Pope Dies," by Christopher M. Bellitto; "Papal Transition" by the Rev. Thomas J. Reese; www.AmericanMagazine.org; www.catholic-pages.com; Vatican; staff reports
BY DITA SMITH AND LAURA STANTON-THE WASHINGTON POST