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The Vatican has announced that cardinals will gather next month in a closed-door conclave to elect the next pope. The secretive gathering will begin on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel, bringing together approximately 135 cardinals from around the world. This comes after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday.
The election of a new pope is one of the most secretive and historically rich traditions in the world. Rooted in centuries of faith and governance, this process determines the next leader of over a billion Catholics as well as the future direction of the Church.
For centuries, the papacy has played a pivotal role in global religion, politics, and morality, shaping history through its leaders. But behind the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square and the solemn faces of the cardinals lies a complex and highly structured system that has evolved over time.
So, how does a new pope ascend to the highest office in the Catholic Church? What happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel? And how much of the intrigue portrayed in books and films reflects reality? Click through this gallery to find out.
When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church embarks on a deeply sacred and secretive journey to find his successor. This centuries-old process involves ritual, prayer, and meticulous procedures that culminate in the election of the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church traces its leadership back to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. According to Church tradition, Jesus appointed Peter in 30 CE, and every pope since has inherited that authority in an unbroken line.
The word "pope" comes from papa, a Latin term of deep respect. Initially, it was used for many Church figures, but by the 6th century the bishop of Rome exclusively claimed it. Over time, papal authority grew, and the position was elevated above all other bishops.
Before the 11th century, popes were chosen by popular opinion, which often led to fierce disputes, rival claimants, and even violence. The Church struggled with instability until reforms were ultimately introduced. This ensured a more structured, albeit still mysterious, process for electing the supreme pontiff.
In 1059, Pope Nicholas II revolutionized papal elections by declaring that only cardinal bishops could vote. This move reduced the interference of Roman aristocrats and lower clergy, and laid the groundwork for the formation of the College of Cardinals, which still governs papal elections today.
By 1150, the College of Cardinals had solidified its role as the exclusive body responsible for electing popes. Over time, additional regulations refined the system, including the requirement that electors be sequestered to prevent outside influence and to preserve the sanctity of the process.
During the medieval period, there were rarely more than 30 cardinals. By 1586, that number grew to 70. In 1975, Pope Paul VI set the maximum number of voting cardinals at 120, which ensured a diverse yet manageable group of electors for the Church’s leader.
In 1970, a new rule barred cardinals over 80 from voting in papal elections. Today, 120 cardinals are eligible to vote, though eight will lose this privilege by the year’s end as they reach the age limit.
A pope stepping down is almost unheard of. Before Pope Benedict XVI resigned in 2013, the last pope to do so was Gregory XII in 1415. The norm is that popes serve until death, and so voluntary resignations are a dramatic and exceptional event in Church history.
Once a pope vacates his seat, the conclave (the formal election) must begin within 15 to 20 days. This time frame, set in 1922, ensures that cardinals worldwide have time to travel to Rome to take part in the historic and solemn proceedings that will determine the next pontiff.
Technically, any voting cardinal is eligible to be elected pope. When they arrive in Rome, they are assigned a local church to oversee, allowing them to perform Mass and subtly introduce themselves to the public before the secretive conclave officially begins.
Unlike political elections, direct campaigning for pope is forbidden. But in the days leading up to the conclave, cardinals engage in quiet discussions, gauging support and influence. The Sunday before the conclave, they celebrate Mass across Rome as a way to draw attention without explicitly promoting themselves.
Once the conclave starts, cardinals are sealed inside the Sistine Chapel, completely cut off from the outside world. Communication is strictly forbidden to prevent political maneuvering and ensure that the decision is made solely through divine inspiration and deliberation among the Church’s senior leaders.
Before voting begins, cardinals swear an oath to uphold the secrecy of the conclave. Only essential attendants (such as security and medical staff) are permitted limited contact. Any breach of confidentiality is considered a serious violation of the conclave’s integrity and divine guidance.
Each vote follows a three-step process: pre-scrutiny (ballot distribution and preparation), scrutiny (voting in secret), and post-scrutiny (counting and verification). When performed properly, these stages result in a fair and deliberate selection process.
On the conclave’s first day, an initial vote is cast. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, voting continues up to four times per day. If necessary, cardinals pause for prayer and reflection before resuming the process of selecting a pope.
If no pope is chosen within three days, the cardinals take a full day to pray and reflect. This cycle continues until a resolution is reached. If deadlock persists, the two leading candidates face a runoff, which guarantees that a decision is ultimately made.
Since the outside world is not privy to the discussions happening within the Sistine Chapel, people follow the conclave through smoke signals. Before the conclave starts, a temporary stove and chimney are installed in the Chapel where ballots will be burned.
Black smoke emanating from the chimney means no decision has been reached. White smoke means a pope has been chosen. This centuries-old tradition captures the global attention of millions eagerly awaiting news from the Vatican.
The exact origin of burning ballots is uncertain, but white smoke as a sign of papal election only dates back to the 19th or early 20th century. Before that, various other means (like verbal decrees or ringing bells) were used to signal whether a new pope had been chosen.
In the past, wet straw or tar was added to ballots to create white or black smoke. But since 2005, the Vatican has used chemicals: potassium chlorate, lactose, and conifer resin for white smoke; potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur for black.
Once multiple rounds of voting have been made and the momentous decision is finally reached, the elected cardinal is asked if he accepts his role as Supreme Pontiff. Upon agreement, he officially assumes the papacy and takes on the responsibility of leading the world’s largest Christian denomination.
The new pope selects a papal name, a tradition reflecting his aspirations and spiritual guidance. The name he chooses is inspired by past pontiffs or saints, and it offers insight into his leadership style and the direction he intends to take the Catholic Church.
After his election, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and delivers the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing (Latin for “to the city and to the world”). This powerful moment is considered the official beginning of his papacy, as he prays for the Church and the global community.
Each pope receives the Fisherman’s Ring, a historic symbol of his authority as the successor of Saint Peter. The ring is named after Saint Peter, the first pope and a fisherman by trade, and is engraved with the new pope’s chosen name. Upon his death or resignation, it is destroyed.
A formal installation ceremony is held in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the pope’s assumption of his new role. Though past popes had elaborate coronations, modern popes have usually opted for simpler ceremonies that emphasize their spiritual mission rather than royal grandeur.
Throughout history, there have been times when some factions have rejected the chosen pontiff and elected their own without official recognition, known as an antipope. These rival leaders have typically emerged during times of major political struggle.
Felix V (1440–1449) was the last significant antipope, elected by the Council of Basel in opposition to Pope Eugene IV. But his reign lacked broad support, and he ultimately abdicated, which marked the end of the centuries-long era of papal rivalries.
The papal conclave remains one of the most secretive and fascinating traditions in the modern world. Every time a new pope is elected, it reaffirms a tradition that has spanned two millennia and has ensured that the Catholic Church continues its mission in an ever-changing world.
Sources: (National Geographic) (CNN) (Catholic Church in England and Wales) (Britannica)
See also: This 12th-century prophecy says Francis was the last pope
Conclave to elect new pope starts on May 7, Vatican announces
Cardinals from around the world will gather at the Sistine Chapel
LIFESTYLE Catholic church
The Vatican has announced that cardinals will gather next month in a closed-door conclave to elect the next pope. The secretive gathering will begin on May 7 inside the Sistine Chapel, bringing together approximately 135 cardinals from around the world. This comes after the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 on Easter Monday.
The election of a new pope is one of the most secretive and historically rich traditions in the world. Rooted in centuries of faith and governance, this process determines the next leader of over a billion Catholics as well as the future direction of the Church.
For centuries, the papacy has played a pivotal role in global religion, politics, and morality, shaping history through its leaders. But behind the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square and the solemn faces of the cardinals lies a complex and highly structured system that has evolved over time.
So, how does a new pope ascend to the highest office in the Catholic Church? What happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel? And how much of the intrigue portrayed in books and films reflects reality? Click through this gallery to find out.