For the first time since 1973, Kenya will not cast a vote in the election of a new Pope.
John Cardinal Njue, Kenya’s only living cardinal, is set to attend the conclave in Rome following the death of Pope Francis. However, the 80-year-old former Archbishop of Nairobi will not participate in the voting process, as Catholic Church rules restrict papal voting rights to cardinals under the age of 80.
The absence of a Kenyan vote marks a historic moment. Since the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 1973, Kenya has maintained a presence in the papal electoral process for five decades.
Cardinal Njue, though ineligible to vote, will still participate in the general congregations—pre-conclave meetings where cardinals from around the world discuss the challenges facing the Church and the qualities needed in the next Holy Father.
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How the Catholic Church Will Choose Pope Francis’ Successor
Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church is preparing to embark on a process that has remained virtually unchanged for over 800 years — the Papal Conclave.
Held within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is both steeped in solemn tradition and marked by intense political maneuvering.
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to vote — currently numbering 120 — although any baptized Catholic male is technically eligible to become Pope.
In reality, the position has for centuries been chosen exclusively from among the cardinals.
The process begins with a special morning mass. Later, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel and the doors are locked behind them to ensure absolute secrecy. The command “extra omnes” — Latin for “everyone out” — signals the start of proceedings, with only voting cardinals remaining inside.
The voting unfolds in silence and secrecy. Cardinals write their chosen name on paper ballots, often disguising their handwriting. Nine cardinals are selected at random to facilitate the vote: three scrutineers, three vote collectors, and three reviewers. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope.
Ballots are burned after each round. Black smoke from the chimney signals indecision; white smoke announces a new Pope. If no consensus emerges by the 34th round, voting narrows to the two top candidates.
Once elected, the new Pope is led into the “Room of Tears,” where Vatican tailors have prepared white robes in three sizes. Moments later, he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the world hears the historic words: “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a Pope.”
