Electing a New Pope

Ogni morte di papa (once in a blue moon) is an Italian saying that seems especially appropriate when discussing John Paul II, given that his papacy is one of the longest in history. With the looming sede vacante (empty Holy See seat) i vaticanisti (Vatican specialists) are handicapping i papabili — those seen as contenders to become the next pope.

One thing is certain: there are many elaborate rites, rituals, and traditions involved when electing a new pope, some dating from the Middle Ages, others as modern as sweeping the Vatican buildings for electronic listening devices.