Pope Francis is currently in the hospital recently diagnosed with double pneumonia - meaning both lungs are affected. Now, many are wondering how a new Pope might be chosen. Veuer’s Tony Spitz has the details.
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00:00Pope Francis is currently in the hospital, recently diagnosed with double pneumonia,
00:04meaning both lungs are affected. This is an extremely dangerous diagnosis,
00:08especially for an 88-year-old, with many wondering if the religious leader will survive.
00:13It also has many asking how a new pope might be chosen, and while the method has evolved over time,
00:18one thing has remained relatively unchanged. The pope is an elected position, meaning religious
00:23leaders from all over the world gather and cast ballots. For around the last 1000 years,
00:27popes require a two-thirds majority to be affirmed into the position,
00:31meant to prevent any dispute over legitimacy. That majority percentage stands today.
00:36However, over the years, other rules have been enacted to streamline the process.
00:40For instance, after the seat was left empty from 1268 to 1271, when a two-thirds majority
00:45was unable to be reached, they set a time limit after death in which voting had to begin.
00:49They also enacted rules to seclude the cardinals who were voting, restricted outside influence,
00:53and even began rationing food if the conclave took too much time.
00:57Today, there are 33 rounds of voting in which to reach a two-thirds majority,
01:01after which they may default to an absolute majority, meaning a more than 50% majority,
01:05or a runoff between just two candidates. Still, Pope Francis will remain the leader
01:10for the time being, with millions around the world praying for his recovery.