The Papal Conclave: The Dramatic Process of Electing a New Pope

Pope Francis continues to lead the Catholic Church, but with the 88-year-old in ill-health, the time will eventually come for the centuries-old tradition of selecting his successor via the papal conclave.

The papal conclave, a highly secretive and deeply spiritual event, will take place in Vatican City when the position of pope becomes vacant, drawing global attention to this sacred process.

Whether you are Catholic and have seen the ways Pope Francis has changed the Vatican or simply interested in history and tradition, understanding the conclave process adds another layer of appreciation to a visit to Rome.

If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City, this is the perfect time to explore landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums—key sites involved in this momentous occasion.

What is a papal conclave?

The College of Cardinals has the responsibility for electing a new pope. (Photo credit: Unsplash)

A papal conclave is the process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope. The term comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” referencing the tradition of locking the cardinals away in seclusion until they reach a decision.

The papal conclave ensures the selection is made free from external influence and is seen as a sacred act guided by the Holy Spirit.

Have conclaves always been the way to elect a new pope?

The papal conclave process was sped up after the Cardinals starting having their food rationed!

No. In the early centuries of the Church, popes were chosen in various ways. The selection often involved clergy and laypeople in Rome, but this sometimes led to conflicts, political interference, and lengthy delays in naming a successor.

The longest delay occurred after the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268 when the election process dragged on for nearly three years.

To resolve this issue, the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 formalized the papal conclave system. This new rule required cardinals to be secluded in a locked room to speed up the decision-making process.

If they didn’t reach a decision quickly, their food rations were reduced—a rule that proved effective, as conclaves became significantly shorter thereafter. Fear not though if you are considering a trip to Rome anytime soon. Food won’t be rationed for you. Indeed, you could even experience the tastes of Rome with a food tour or try your hand at pizza-making in Trastevere.

Are conclaves always held in the Sistine Chapel?

Since 1878, every papal conclave has been held in the Sistine Chapel

Not always, but they have been for the past several centuries. The Sistine Chapel was first used for a papal conclave in 1492, and since 1878, every conclave has been held there.

The chapel’s breath-taking frescoes by Michelangelo, including the iconic The Last Judgment, provide a solemn and inspiring backdrop for the cardinals’ decision-making.

Before the 20th century, cardinals lived and slept in Vatican palaces during the papal conclave, often in uncomfortable conditions. That changed in 1996 when Pope John Paul II established the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse within the Vatican where the electors now stay. However, they still conduct all voting and discussions in the Sistine Chapel.

If you ever visit Vatican City, a small group guided tour of the Sistine Chapel offers a chance to see the very room where history is made during each papal conclave.

Who’s eligible to be pope?

There is no formal requirement that the pope must come from the College of Cardinals – any baptized male can become pope! (Photo credit: Unsplash)

Contrary to popular belief, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope. While it is almost always a cardinal, there is no formal requirement that the pope must come from within their ranks. The last time a non-cardinal was elected was in 1378, when Urban VI became pope.

Theoretically, even a layperson could be chosen, though this is highly unlikely given the Church’s longstanding tradition of selecting cardinals or high-ranking clergy.

Who’s allowed to vote in the papal conclave?

Cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in the papal conclave. (Photo credit: Unsplash)

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the papal conclave. As of today, there are 137 voting-eligible cardinals. The number of voting cardinals is typically capped at 120, but in exceptional cases, the Pope can exceed this number.

How does voting work in the papal conclave?

The election follows a structured process designed to maintain secrecy and fairness:

1. Oath of Secrecy – Each cardinal takes an oath of absolute secrecy before voting begins. Any breach of secrecy results in automatic excommunication.
2. Balloting – Each cardinal writes the name of their preferred candidate on a paper ballot, which is then folded and placed into a chalice.
3. Vote Counting – The ballots are counted and verified. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the votes are burned with a chemical additive to produce black smoke, signaling to the public that no decision has been reached.
4. Repeating the Process – Two ballots are conducted each morning and afternoon. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority after multiple rounds, the process may shift to a simple majority vote.
5. Election of a New Pope – Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes, he is asked if he accepts the role. Upon acceptance, white smoke is released from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signifying to the world that a new pope has been chosen.

What happens to the new pope when he’s elected?

The new pope makes his first address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. (Photo Credit: Unsplash)

Once elected, the new pope chooses a papal name—a tradition dating back to Pope John II in 533. He is then escorted to the Room of Tears in the Sistine Chapel, where he dons his white papal vestments.

The Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing the pope’s authority, is placed on his finger. The cardinals then pledge their obedience to the new pontiff.

Shortly thereafter, the new pope is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivers his first address, known as the Urbi et Orbi (“To the city and the world”). If you’re in Rome at this time, gathering in St. Peter’s Square offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness history being made.

How long does this all take?

The length of a papal conclave varies. Some elections conclude in a day, while others take longer.

• Shortest conclave – Pope Julius II was elected in 1503 within a few hours.
• Longest conclave – The 1268-1271 conclave lasted nearly three years.
• Recent conclaves – Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 after two days, and the papal conclave of Pope Francis in 2013 was wrapped up after just over a day.

On average, modern conclaves last 2-5 days.

Planning a visit to the Vatican during the papal conclave

If you visit the Vatical during a papal conclave, you’ll be witnessing history in the making first hand!

If you’re considering a trip to Rome and the Vatican, the papal conclave is an extraordinary time to visit. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

• St. Peter’s Basilica – The spiritual heart of Catholicism and a must-see for any visitor.
• Sistine Chapel – Experience the room where the conclave takes place and admire Michelangelo’s masterworks.
• Vatican Museums – Explore one of the world’s richest collections of art and history.
• St. Peter’s Square – Be there when the white smoke rises and the new pope is revealed!

Taking a guided tour of Rome in a day during this period offers deeper insight into the city’s religious and historical significance. The atmosphere is electric as pilgrims and visitors from around the world gather to witness this pivotal moment in Catholic history.

The papal conclave is not just an election; it’s a sacred tradition that has shaped the course of history for centuries.

Understanding its process and significance adds a profound depth to any visit to Vatican City. Whether you come to witness history or simply to admire the breath-taking beauty of the Sistine Chapel, there has never been a better time to explore the Vatican.