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A historic gathering -

Following a pope’s resignation or death, canon law requires that cardinals convene in Vatican City within 15 to 20 days to begin the election process. This year, the conclave has been scheduled for May 7, which is 16 days after Pope Francis’ passing.

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Global pilgrimage -

The papal conclave transforms Rome into a magnet for global onlookers, drawing massive crowds to witness the historic moment. Hundreds of thousands are expected to gather, which is especially true considering the 250,000 people who attended Pope Francis' funeral.

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A drawn-out consensus -

The longest papal conclave in history lasted 1,006 days (almost three years) after Pope Clement IV's death in 1268. Divided by politics and external influences, cardinals only reached a decision when they elected Pope Gregory X (pictured) after enduring complete isolation and intense deliberation.

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Language and legacy -

The term “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave (meaning “with a key”), which was coined after the prolonged 1268–1271 papal election. Pope Gregory X enforced strict seclusion in 1274 to shield cardinals from external pressures, thus establishing the secretive format still used today.

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Where the cardinals dwell -

For however long the conclave unfolds, the cardinal electors reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, which is a residence located inside Vatican City and not far from the Sistine Chapel.

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Beyond the Sistine walls -

Though the Sistine Chapel has been the conclave’s home since 1878, it wasn't always the designated venue. Earlier elections occurred across diverse locations, with some even beyond Italy in France and Germany.

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Shielding the sacred -

Security around the conclave is extremely strict. Before the conclave begins, the chapel is swept for electronic bugs. Ultimately, only the cardinals are permitted inside the Sistine Chapel during the voting process, although a number of liturgical assistants and medical staff are permitted to maintain restricted contact.

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Bound by oath -

Every person who is in attendance during the period of the conclave (whether it’s a cardinal or a member of staff) is sworn to secrecy on the events surrounding the process. Each individual takes an oath before the conclave begins.

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The price of breaking secrecy -

Any person who leaks details of the conclave can face immediate excommunication from the Catholic Church. This includes revealing votes, discussions, or outside influences. The Church takes these rules so seriously that even electronic devices are banned, and surveillance measures are constantly evolving.

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Strict dining -

To prevent any covert communication during a papal conclave, cardinals follow a tightly controlled diet. Historically, messages were smuggled in through food like pies and poultry, and this prompted strict bans on such food items, as well as cutlery and glasses.

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Early conclaves -

When Pope Gregory X first set the restrictions for the conclave, cardinals received only one daily meal. If the conclave continued after eight days, they would only be fed bread and water. These restrictions have since been relaxed, although the tight control still remains.

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A matter of sustenance -

Every meal for the cardinals is prepared by cooks and sommeliers in a communal kitchen, all of which is overseen by security guards to prevent illicit activity.

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Age-bound electors -

Since 1970, only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in a papal conclave, a rule established in 1970 by Pope Paul VI to streamline the process. Despite his suggested cap of 120 electors, however, 133 cardinals will cast votes in the upcoming conclave.

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A quiet withdrawal -

Eligible cardinals can also choose not to participate. Though eligible, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has chosen not to be part of the upcoming conclave, citing loyalty to Pope Francis and the Church’s well-being. His decision follows a conviction for embezzlement, though he maintains his innocence amid ongoing controversy.

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Refusal to attend -

Although rare, there have been instances of cardinals choosing not to attend a conclave due to political tensions or personal conscience. These absences can complicate the election but don’t invalidate it. The conclave proceeds as long as two-thirds of the eligible voting cardinals are present.

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Sacred silence -

On the first day of the conclave, the cardinals typically meet from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in the Sistine Chapel, where no discussion is allowed as they commence voting (only oaths and ballot counting). All political talk and discussions are reserved for outside the sacred walls.

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Handwritten discretion -

To ensure absolute confidentiality, each cardinal carefully writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot while disguising his handwriting. Then, in strict order of precedence, they approach the altar one by one, displaying their folded vote.

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A solemn vow -

Each cardinal kneels briefly in prayer before rising to swear, "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected." He then places his folded ballot into a silver and bronze urn resembling a lidded wok.

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Under sacred scrutiny -

To guarantee absolute transparency and eliminate any doubts of manipulation, six cardinals are randomly selected to meticulously inspect each ballot in full view of their peers before results are declared. This reinforces the conclave’s integrity, and leaves no room for claims of a “stolen election.”

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Threaded and burned -

Every ballot, once counted, is pierced with a needle and thread until all the votes are together. After declaring whether a new pope has been decided or not, the votes are burned inside a special stove installed in the chapel.

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Smoke signals -

The world learns of a papal decision through smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel. White smoke signifies a successful election, while black smoke reveals that the voting has been inconclusive. Both the white and black smoke are produced with precise chemical mixes.

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An unexpected path to the papacy -

Although tradition favors cardinals, it is actually true that any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope, regardless of their rank. This rare exception last occurred in 1378 with the election of Urban VI, who was only an archbishop before.

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Refusal of the call -

Though rare, it is possible for a cardinal to decline the papacy after being elected. This happened in 1503 when Cardinal Giovanni di Lorenzo de’ Medici initially refused, but was later convinced. If the elected individual declines, the process simply resumes.

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A new name -

If an elected person accepted the papacy, they are asked, “By what name shall you be called?” He immediately announces his papal name, which is often symbolic of the vision he holds for his papacy. This name becomes his identity for the duration of his tenure.

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A special room -

After accepting his election, the new pope is escorted to the Room of Tears, a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. There, he changes into papal vestments and is left alone briefly. The name of the rooms reflects the emotional gravity of the moment, as many new popes are overwhelmed by the enormity of their new role.

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Tailored vestments -

To accommodate the unknown identity and body size of the new pope, the Vatican prepares three versions of the papal vestments: small, medium, and large. These garments are placed in the Room of Tears.

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Veto rights -

Up until the early 20th century, Catholic monarchs like the kings of France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Emperor had a privilege called the jus exclusivae—the right to veto papal candidates. This privilege was abolished by Pope Pius X in 1904 to protect spiritual integrity and prevent secular interference.

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Screen and page -

Papal conclaves have long fascinated storytellers, and have inspired acclaimed works like the 2024 film ‘Conclave,’ adapted from the 2016 novel. Following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, viewership for the film spiked by 283%.

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The convergence of mystery and tradition -

The papal conclave is truly a sacred fusion of history, faith, and divine seeking. Ancient rituals and customs converge in silence to choose a new leader, and the world is always left profoundly impressed by the secrecy of it all.

Sources: (National Catholic Reporter) (Time) (The Guardian) (BBC) (The Independent) (The Times)

See also: Popes who died violently

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