What is India role in the selection of the new Pope?

Pope Francis, the supreme religious leader of the Christian community, died at the age of 88. He was ill for a long time. The process of election of new Pope will begin soon in Vatican. One of the two Indian cardinals will vote in it. In fact, the Vatican follows a structured process for leadership changes in the Catholic Church. If the Pope dies or it becomes disabled. Therefore, the State Secretary of the Vatican Cardinal Pitro Parolin will manage the daily tasks of the church until the new Pope is elected.

Discussion on upcoming Pope election

Two Indian cardinals will have the right to vote in the upcoming Pope elections. Which makes India’s presence important in this important decision process. The 79 -year -old Cardinal George Elenchery, one of the largest Catholic communities in India, is the leading archbishop of Siro Malabar Catholic Church. However, after the age of 80 on 19 April 2025, he will lose his right to vote. 51 -year -old Cardinal George Kuwakad was appointed at the Cardinals College last December. Unlike Elenechary, Kuwakad is a Vatican diplomatic and inter -religious dialogue. Which is responsible for Pope’s trips and relations with global religious leaders.

Global impact on upcoming Pope election

Indian Cardinal Pope will participate in voting for elections. But Cardinals College has more than 120 electors. They represent various regions of the world. It is the largest voter group in Europe. For this reason, Europe becomes the most effective place in the selection of the Pope. However, countries in Latin America and Africa are demanding more representation. He argues that Catholic religion is growing fastest in these areas. As far as Asia is concerned, Christianity is growing in non-western societies. In such a situation, we have to find a leader who understands the global religious diversity. In 2013, the Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was the first Pope elected from Latin America.

Pope selection process

The Pope is selected through a major process. For this, there will be a meeting of cardinals first. After the Pope’s death, all cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Vatican City. They begin the election process. This is followed by an oath of secrecy and secrecy. Electoral cystines enter the chapel, take oath of privacy, and stay away from external communication. In the third stage, each cardinal writes its favorite Pope on a paper ballot. To win, the candidate has to get a two-thirds majority. In the fourth phase, ballot papers are burnt after each stage voting. Black smoke indicates that no decision has been taken, while the white smoke indicates that the new Pope has been chosen. The new Pope’s name is announced in the fifth phase. A senior cardinal appears on the balcony of the St. Peters Basilica and announces “Hebemus Papam” which means we have a pope.