When a pope passes away, the world’s eyes turn to the Vatican, where a centuries-old and highly secretive process unfolds to select his successor. This election, known as the conclave, is one of the most mysterious and ritual-laden events in global religious life, drawing on traditions that date back to the Middle Ages.
The Role of the College of Cardinals
The responsibility for choosing the next pope falls to the College of Cardinals, a body of senior Catholic clerics appointed by previous popes. Although there are over 250 cardinals from every continent, only those under the age of 80—currently around 135—are eligible to vote.
This rule, introduced in 1970, is intended to ensure that the electors are actively involved in the Church’s mission and governance. In recent years, a substantial proportion of these cardinal electors have been appointed by Pope Francis, displaying his emphasis on diversity and a more inclusive vision for the Church.
Summoning the Electors to Rome
Following the death of a pope, the cardinals are summoned from across the globe to Rome. They are given a period of 15 to 20 days to arrive, allowing time for the late pontiff’s funeral rites and for all eligible cardinals to gather. The election itself takes place in the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s renowned frescoes.
The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” a reference to the practice of locking the cardinals in until a new pope is chosen. Security is stringent as the chapel is inspected for any electronic surveillance, and the cardinals are completely isolated from the outside world. Mobile phones, newspapers, and any form of communication are strictly forbidden, and Vatican technicians deploy electronic jamming devices to prevent leaks.
Oaths and Secrecy
Before the voting begins, the cardinals participate in a special mass, praying for divine guidance. They then proceed into the Sistine Chapel, where the master of papal liturgical ceremonies utters the words “extra omnes,” meaning “everyone out,” to clear the chapel of all but the electors and a handful of essential staff. Each cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy, with the penalty of excommunication for any breach, reinforcing the gravity and confidentiality of the proceedings.
The Voting Procedure
The voting itself is conducted with great care to maintain secrecy and integrity. Each cardinal writes the name of his preferred candidate on a ballot paper bearing the phrase “Eligo in summum pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”).
The ballots are collected and counted by three randomly chosen scrutineers. Up to four rounds of voting can take place each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If this is not achieved, the process continues, with a pause for prayer and reflection after every seven ballots. If the conclave reaches 33 rounds without a result, only the two candidates with the most votes remain, though neither is permitted to vote for himself.
The Smoke Signals
After each round, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Chemicals are added to produce either black or white smoke—black indicates that no decision has been reached, while white signals to the world that a new pope has been elected. This visual signal is the only information the public receives until the official announcement.
The Announcement of the New Pope
When a cardinal finally secures the necessary majority, the dean of the College of Cardinals approaches him and asks whether he accepts the election. If he agrees, he chooses a papal name and is led to the “Room of Tears,” where he dons the white cassock and red slippers prepared in advance in several sizes by Vatican tailors.
The new pope is then presented to the world from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon proclaims, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam”—“I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope.”
Tradition, Intrigue, and Spirituality
While the rules are designed to ensure secrecy and impartiality, it is widely acknowledged that alliances, discussions, and even discreet lobbying can take place among the cardinals. Pope Francis himself has spoken about the intensity of the process, saying, “Throughout the process, we were acutely aware that millions of Catholics worldwide were praying for us, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit during our deliberations.”
Although, in theory, any baptised Catholic male could be elected, in practice, the role has always gone to a cardinal since the 14th century.
The conclave is a blend of solemn ritual, historical continuity, and human drama. It has evolved over time—rules have been refined, and technology has been kept at bay—but its essence remains unchanged. The world waits in anticipation as the cardinals deliberate, knowing that the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel will soon herald the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.