Leadership succession is one of the most significant moments in any faith tradition. In two of the world’s largest Christian communities—the Roman Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—the process of choosing a new leader is deeply rooted in doctrine, tradition, and the belief in divine guidance. Yet the way each church selects its leader is remarkably different.
Let’s take a closer look at how a new pope is chosen in the Catholic Church and how a new prophet is called in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How the Catholic Church Chooses a New Pope
When a pope dies—or, in rare instances like Pope Benedict XVI, resigns—the Catholic Church follows a centuries-old process called the papal conclave.
Step 1: The Sede Vacante Period
The moment the papacy becomes vacant (sede vacante, Latin for “the seat being vacant”), governance of the Catholic Church temporarily shifts to the College of Cardinals. During this time, the cardinals oversee basic operations but cannot make major decisions.
Step 2: Gathering the Cardinals
All cardinals under the age of 80 are called to Rome. These cardinals are the ones who will vote in the conclave. Typically, around 120 cardinals participate.
Step 3: The Papal Conclave
The cardinals enter a closed-door conclave, usually held in the Sistine Chapel. They take strict oaths of secrecy and are physically isolated to avoid outside influence.
Balloting begins, with each cardinal writing his choice for pope on a secret ballot. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. If no candidate receives enough votes, the ballots are burned with a chemical that produces black smoke—signaling to the world that no decision has been made. White smoke is released once a pope is elected.
Step 4: Acceptance and Announcement
Once a cardinal accepts the role, he chooses a new papal name. The Senior Cardinal Deacon then steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope!”), introducing the new leader to the world.
How The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chooses a New Prophet
In contrast, the process of choosing a new President and Prophet in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is much quieter, faster, and rooted in clear principles of seniority.
Step 1: Death of the Prophet
When the President of the Church passes away, the First Presidency (the Prophet and his two counselors) is automatically dissolved. The highest governing authority of the Church then becomes the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Step 2: Leadership by the Twelve Apostles
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles leads the Church temporarily, with the senior apostle (based on length of continuous service, not age) presiding over the quorum and over the Church as a whole during this interim period.
Step 3: Formal Meeting and Reorganization
Usually within a few days to a couple of weeks, the Twelve Apostles gather in a sacred, prayerful meeting in the Salt Lake Temple.
Following divine direction and precedent established since the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, the senior apostle is proposed to become the new President of the Church. The decision must be unanimous among the Twelve.
The new President then selects two counselors, forming a new First Presidency.
Step 4: Public Sustaining
At the next General Conference of the Church—held semiannually—the new President is formally presented to the worldwide membership for a sustaining vote. This sustaining vote is important, but the new Prophet is already serving before this public affirmation.
Key Differences Between the Catholic and Latter-day Saint Succession Processes
| Aspect | Catholic Church | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Title | Pope | President (Prophet) |
| Selection Method | Election by cardinals (under 80) in a conclave | Seniority among the Twelve Apostles |
| Voting Body | College of Cardinals | Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Public Ceremony | Yes (white/black smoke, public announcement) | No public selection ceremony |
| Timeline | Several days to weeks | Typically within a few days |
| Role of Tradition | Conclave process since 13th century | Seniority principle since 1844 |
| Belief About Divine Guidance | Chosen through inspiration via group voting | Succession seen as divinely directed through seniority and unanimous confirmation |
Why Is There No Campaigning in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
One of the unique features of leadership succession in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that there is no campaigning, lobbying, or electioneering.
Because the principle of seniority governs succession, there is no contest or competition for the prophetic calling. Members believe this order reflects God’s will and minimizes division and uncertainty at a pivotal time.
Why Is the Papal Conclave So Secretive?
The secrecy of the conclave in the Catholic Church is designed to protect the integrity of the election. By isolating the cardinals from external pressures and influences, the Church seeks to ensure that the choice is made prayerfully and free from political or worldly concerns. The ritual of black and white smoke provides the outside world a simple visual update without intruding on the solemn proceedings inside.
Conclusion: Different Traditions, Shared Reverence
Both the Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints treat the selection of a new spiritual leader with profound reverence.
Both see the process as one of divine inspiration—though the Catholic Church uses a collective election, while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follows a clear seniority line and unanimous confirmation.
Despite their differences, both churches view their new leaders not merely as administrators, but as divinely chosen shepherds entrusted with guiding their worldwide flocks through the challenges and blessings of modern life.
