Before you ask – try a quick search! This site is designed to provide accurate answers to basic questions about Catholic beliefs and practices and isn’t focused on speculation about the results of the conclave or theological discussion. We want this to be a resource for students, teachers, and journalists.
Some of our more popular questions include:
- When does the conclave start?
- When does the voting begin?
- Where do the Cardinals stay during the conclave?
- What language do the Cardinals speak in their meetings and the conclave?
- Can the Pope have pets?
- What does the Sistine Chapel look like during the conclave? What special preparations are needed?
- How do the cardinals cast their votes in the conclave? And how are they counted?
- Where does Benedict XVI live now that he has resigned?
- Who can vote for the new pope?
View the complete list of questions that have already been answered on the site.
Please use this form if you have a question about the “who, what, when, where” of the upcoming papal election.
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