115 cardinal - electors are gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope . Conclave follows the resignation of Benedict and is held in October . In theory , any unmarried male Catholic could be elected as pope . In practice , it will be one of the bishops involved in the election process .
115 cardinal-electors are gathered in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope . Conclave follows the resignation of Benedict and is conducted in secrecy . In theory , any unmarried male Catholic could be elected as pope . In practice , it will be one of the cardinals involved in the voting process .