The conclave is the secretive and highly ritualized process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works.
Who Participates
- Only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the papal seat becomes vacant are eligible to vote.
- There can be up to 120 cardinal-electors.
- The conclave begins 15–20 days after the pope’s death or resignation, to allow time for the arrival of cardinals from around the world.
Secrecy and Location
- The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
- The cardinals are sealed off from the outside world (Latin: cum clave = “with a key,” hence “conclave”).
- They stay in a special residence called the Domus Sanctae Marthae, but meet in the chapel for voting.
- No communication with the outside world is allowed—phones, internet, and media are banned.
Oath and Prayer
- Before voting, the cardinals take a solemn oath of secrecy.
- They pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, often invoking the phrase: “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Voting Process
- Voting is done in multiple rounds (called scrutinies), usually two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
- Each cardinal writes a name on a paper ballot and places it in a chalice or urn on the altar.
- The ballots are then counted, read aloud, and recorded by designated scrutineers.
Majority Required
- To be elected, a cardinal must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes.
- If the conclave goes long without a decision, procedural changes can be introduced after many ballots, but only with papal pre-authorization.
Smoke Signals
- After each round, ballots are burned in a special stove.
- Black smoke (fumata nera) = No decision yet.
- White smoke (fumata bianca) = A new pope has been elected.
- In recent conclaves, chemicals have been added to make the smoke clearer.
Acceptance and Announcement
- Acceptance: The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts the election and what name he will take.
- Public Declaration: The senior cardinal deacon announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- First Blessing: The new pope appears on the balcony to impart his first blessing to the crowd.