當一位教宗辭世或退位時，天主教會會進入「教宗選舉秘密會議」，即所謂的「樞機秘密會議」（Conclave），以選出下一任教宗。這是一個歷史悠久且極具儀式感的過程。以下是這個過程的詳細介紹，以繁體中文呈現：
教宗選舉秘密會議（Conclave）是什麼？
「Conclave」一詞來自拉丁文 cum clave，意指「上鎖的房間」。這個名稱源自於中世紀時期，為了防止外界干預，樞機主教們被「鎖」在西斯汀小堂中，直到他們選出新教宗為止。
選舉資格與參與人員
只有**未滿80歲的樞機主教（Cardinals）**有資格參與選舉。
參與者人數通常約為100至130人之間（依當時在世且合資格者而定）。
所有參與者須發誓保密。
選舉流程詳解
1. 教宗逝世或退位後
教廷宣布「教宗寶座出缺」（Sede Vacante）。
教廷國務卿負責暫時管理日常事務，但不得做任何影響未來決策的重要決定。
2. 召開秘密會議
約在教宗去世或退位後的15至20天內召開。
樞機主教們齊聚梵蒂岡，入住「聖瑪爾大之家」（Domus Sanctae Marthae）。
每日進出西斯汀小堂(Sistine Chapel) 進行投票。
3. 投票制度
每日最多可投票四次（兩次上午，兩次下午）。
每輪投票需獲得三分之二多數票才能當選。
若經過多次投票未有結果，可能改變規則（由樞機們投票決定是否接受簡單多數）。
4. 白煙與黑煙
每次投票結束後，選票會焚燒：
黑煙（fumata nera）：表示未選出新教宗。
白煙（fumata bianca）：表示教宗選出成功。
5. 新教宗接受與登基
當某位樞機獲選後，會被問：「你是否願意接受？」（Acceptasne electionem?）
若答應，他會選擇自己的教宗名號。
隨後會公開亮相，稱為「Habemus Papam」（我們有了教宗！），由聖伯多祿大殿陽台向全世界宣布。
內部氣氛與傳統
所有過程保密，外界無法得知內部細節。
過程極具神聖與儀式性，象徵聖神的引導。
儘管現代科技進步，會場仍嚴格禁止任何通訊設備，以維持純粹與神聖性。
如您有興趣，我也可以幫您製作一份兒童版簡明圖解，來讓年輕讀者也能理解教宗選舉的過程。需要的話告訴我即可！
What is the Papal Conclave?
The Conclave is the secret meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope after the death or resignation of the current pope. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” referring to the practice of locking the cardinals inside a secure area to prevent outside influence.
Who Participates in the Election?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave.
Usually, there are between 100 and 130 eligible cardinals.
All participants must take an oath of secrecy.
Detailed Election Process
1. After the Pope Dies or Resigns
The Vatican announces that the Holy See is vacant (Sede Vacante).
The Cardinal Secretary of State takes care of daily administrative matters but cannot make major decisions.
2. Conclave Begins
It is typically held 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death or resignation.
Cardinals gather in the Vatican and stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha’s House).
Voting takes place daily inside the Sistine Chapel.
3. Voting Procedure
Up to four votes per day (two in the morning, two in the afternoon).
A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected pope.
If no decision is reached after many votes, the cardinals may vote to adopt a simple majority rule.
4. Black Smoke and White Smoke
After each vote, the ballots are burned:
Black smoke (fumata nera): no pope elected.
White smoke (fumata bianca): a new pope has been chosen.
5. Acceptance and Announcement
The chosen cardinal is asked: “Do you accept your election?” (Acceptasne electionem?)
If he accepts, he chooses his papal name.
Then he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope!”) announcement to the world.
Atmosphere and Traditions
The entire process is held in strict secrecy—no one outside knows the details.
The atmosphere is solemn and sacred, meant to reflect divine guidance.
Despite modern technology, communication devices are strictly banned to maintain purity and reverence.
Let me know if you’d like a visual version or a child-friendly summary as well!
