Final answer:
The traditional papal election process' third step is not listed in the options, but the Oath of Secrecy precedes the casting of votes within a Papal Conclave.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third step in the process for the election of a pope is not explicitly mentioned in the information provided; however, traditional procedures suggest that the correct answer is not among the options listed, as the convening of the Papal Conclave and the Opening of the Conclave typically come after the preparation period which includes the funeral of the previous pope and the “Sede Vacante” period when the Holy See is vacant.
A step such as the Oath of Secrecy is taken by all cardinals participating in the conclave before the actual voting begins. If we align the typical papal election process with the provided steps about general elections, Casting Votes would be the logical equivalent to the third step mentioned there—general election, where people cast their votes. Yet, casting of votes in a papal conclave is done differently than in public elections and occurs after other steps are already in process.