Pope Benedict in shock
resignation: Pontiff, 85, is first in 600 years to stand
down because he 'no longer has the strength to carry on'
The cardinals will
meet in the Vatican's
ornate Sistine Chapel and hold two voting rounds a
day until they choose a new pope with a two-thirds
majority.
Another reform lets the cardinals opt for a
simple majority vote if they have not succeeded in
electing a pope after about two weeks of balloting.
Most modern conclaves have lasted only a
few days.
When the cardinals are in agreement, the
chosen one will say 'Accepto,' a puff of white smoke
will emerge from the chimney, bells will toll and a
cardinal will appear at the central window of St
Peter's Basilica to declare 'Habemus papam' - 'We
have a pope'.