Im not even catholic and Im shocked at how many clueless responses there are in this thread so far.
Yes, that is correct, but its not a place, its an action. They (elected cadinals, 120 of them if I no not mistaken) locked (conclave means key) into the St Peters Valcilica where they play and ask gods personal guidence on who they feel the next pope should be. There is no conversations at all between each of the 120 cardinals at all during the time they are locked down, meaning, there is no internal debate on who the next pope should be. I can be nearly any Cardinal from around the world and certinally does not have to be from the list stated above, in fact, highly doubtful.
The private paper votes are cast nearly 24/7 for up to 21 days. Once each read, they are thrown into a fire thats black smoke can be seen rising from the top of St. Peters. A pope is selected once there is agreement in the private voting process. Remember, no Cardinal knows what the other Cardinal has voted, nore are they allowed to speak to eachother, yet the vote will come down to one man. This is why it is beleived that the Pope is picked by God. Which, if the process they require is factual, I guess it makes sense.
Once a Pope is selected, the fire that has been burning the ballots cast by he caridnals is put out by water, causing white smoke or steams to come out of the chimney above St Peters. This is to let the world know that a new Pope has been selected.
Thats how its done kiddies.
All of you owe me a dollar.
