Page:On papal conclaves (IA a549801700cartuoft).djvu/183

 Rh Papal election will be expended on a subject of whom it has not been previously ascertained that he is ready to accept the position.

As soon as ever the ballot has furnished a return with a majority of two-thirds,—the scrutators have satisfied themselves, in the event of its being a bare majority, that this is not due to the successful candidate's own vote,—and he himself has accepted the choice fallen on him, the Conclave is declared at an end, the doors are thrown open to the world, and in the chapel, where all the canopies are instantly lowered, except that over the newly elected, the Pope receives the homage of the assembled Cardinals, which is called the first act of adoration. Then, from the re-opened balcony window, which has been walled up, the Cardinal Dean proclaims the new Pope, whose acclamation by the applauding Roman people is formally attested in a deed drawn up then and there by an appointed notary. Since the Quirinal has become the site for Conclaves, it has been customary to postpone the remaining ceremonies till the following day, when the Pope proceeds first to the Sistine Chapel, and afterwards down to St. Peter's, into which he is borne upon the