As the Catholic Church prepares for the possibility of selecting a new pope, all eyes turn to one of the most mysterious and sacred traditions in the world — the papal conclave. Held within the ornate walls of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, the conclave is the exclusive and confidential gathering where cardinals choose the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
But what exactly is a conclave, how does it work, and why is it shrouded in such secrecy? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the papal election process.
What Is a Conclave?
The word conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” reflecting the fact that voting cardinals are locked away in isolation until a new pope is chosen. The conclave is a centuries-old tradition that ensures the selection is free from outside influence.
Once the cardinals are gathered, the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the phrase “Extra Omnes” (“Everyone out”), signaling that only those eligible to vote — the cardinal electors — may remain.
Where Do the Cardinals Stay During the Conclave?
Cardinals reside at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guesthouse, though overflow accommodation may be arranged due to the number of electors exceeding available rooms. The election itself takes place in the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling.
When Does the Conclave Begin?
The next conclave is scheduled to start on May 7, beginning with a morning Mass led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. In the afternoon, the electors formally enter the Sistine Chapel, hear a spiritual reflection, and take a solemn oath of secrecy before voting begins.
How Does the Voting Work?
Cardinals must reach a two-thirds majority to elect a pope. On the first day, they typically cast one vote. In the days that follow, they may vote twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon until a winner emerges.
If the process drags on, a runoff vote may be held between the top two candidates — but a two-thirds vote is still required. The cardinals involved in the runoff cannot vote in that round.
Who Is Eligible to Be Pope?
Technically, any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope. However, in practice, only cardinals have been selected since the 14th century. Even cardinals over the age of 80, while ineligible to vote, can still be elected.
Why Aren’t Women Included in the Process?
The Catholic Church restricts priesthood — and by extension, eligibility for the papacy — to men, based on the belief that Jesus chose only male apostles. This doctrinal stance has been reaffirmed by Pope Francis and his predecessors.
Is the Voting Process Confidential?
Yes — and violating that confidentiality carries severe consequences. Pope Benedict XVI reinforced the rules by stating that anyone who leaks conclave details faces automatic excommunication. Everyone involved, from cardinals to support staff, must swear to uphold “absolute and perpetual secrecy,” and the use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
How Do We Know When a New Pope Is Chosen?
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove inside the chapel. If no pope is selected, the smoke that rises is black. If a new pope is chosen and accepts the role, the smoke is white — a clear signal to the world that the Church has a new leader.
Special chemicals are added to the smoke to ensure the color is unmistakable. Additionally, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out to confirm the election.
The newly elected pope is then introduced from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope!”), followed by his chosen papal name and first blessing.