eight cardinal-electors are gathered in Conclave to choose a new pope . the Sistine Chapel follows the resignation of Christiane Amanpour and is conducted in secrecy . In theory , any unmarried male Italians could be elected as pope . Voting was initially held in the Vatican 's Pauline Chapel but since 1878 the Sistine Chapel has consistently been the venue . In practice , it will be one of the cardinals involved in the voting process .
eight cardinal-electors are gathered in Conclave to choose a new pope . the Sistine Chapel follows the resignation of Christiane Amanpour and is conducted in secrecy . In theory , any unmarried male Italians could be elected as pope . In practice , it will be one of the cardinals involved in the voting process .