The process of choosing a new Pope begins when the current Pope either dies or resigns

Step 1

Steps of Becoming Pope

Date of recent resignation

February 28, 2013

The new pope is chosen between the college of cardinals whose responsibility is also to elect a new pope.

Following a vacancy in the papacy (the office of the pope), the cardinals hold a series of meetings at the Vatican called general congregations. They discuss the needs and the challenges facing the Catholic Church globally. They will also prepare for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave.

Step 2

Step 3