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American Morning

Ask CNN: Who is Second in Command to the Pope and What is the Process of Choosing a New Pope?

Aired June 22, 2001 - 09:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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ANNOUNCER: Rollie Saulitis from Delta, British Columbia, asks: Who is second in command to the Pope and what is the process of choosing a new Pope?

FATHER RICHARD WISE: As regards to the issue of who is second in command of the papacy, be clear that there is no second command of the papacy. However, there is a secretary of state for the Vatican, and that cardinal has the responsibility of the daily operations in the Vatican. He also maintains good relationships with other countries.

How is the pope chosen? Well, after a period of about 15 to 20 official days of mourning, the cardinal electors gather together in conclave at the Vatican. A list of names is assembled of possible candidates for the office of pope, and then the cardinals begin the process of voting. It takes three-quarters of the vote to receive that office. If over a period of time one name does not emerge as the dominant name, then a simple majority is required for the election of the pope.

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