Following the death of Pope Francis, the eyes of the world now turn to the College of Cardinals, who will soon gather in Rome for one of the most solemn and significant moments in the life of the Catholic Church: the election of a new pope. This moment, steeped in centuries of tradition, brings together the cardinal electors—those entrusted with the profound responsibility of discerning who will lead the Church into a new era.

As of today, the College of Cardinals consists of 252 members. However, not all of them will participate in the election. Only cardinals under the age of 80 have the right to vote in the papal conclave, which currently includes 133 cardinal electors. These men, representing diverse countries, cultures, and pastoral experiences, will enter into a period of intense prayer, reflection, and deliberation as they prepare to choose the 267th successor of Saint Peter.

In the days leading up to the conclave, the cardinals hold a series of daily meetings known as General Congregations. These gatherings provide a space for dialogue about the state of the Church, the challenges it faces, and the qualities needed in the next pope. Since Pope Francis’s passing, these congregations have already begun, setting the stage for the upcoming conclave, starting Wednesday, May 7, that will mark a new chapter in Catholic history.

The election of the Pope, conclave of Cardinals voting in the Sistine Chapel. Original Antique wood cut engraving print from 1878.

Few events in the Catholic Church captivate global attention as profoundly as a papal conclave. Behind the majestic walls of the Vatican, a centuries-old tradition unfolds: the selection of a new Pope. Although it may seem enigmatic to many, this process is deeply spiritual, filled with symbolism, prayer, and a strong commitment to preserving the Church’s unity and apostolic continuity. But what truly happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel?

What Does the Word “Conclave” Mean?

The term “conclave” is derived from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning “with a key.” This term alludes to the tradition of sequestering the cardinal electors behind locked doors to prevent any external influence. It ensures privacy and solemnity throughout the election process. The word itself reflects the gravity and confidentiality required when choosing the successor of Saint Peter.

In the year 1270, following the death of Pope Clement IV, the College of Cardinals faced great difficulty in reaching consensus on his successor. The prolonged vacancy of the papal throne, which lasted nearly three years, deeply troubled the faithful and the civic authorities of Viterbo, where the election was taking place. In response to the deadlock, the local authorities took extraordinary measures: they confined the cardinals to their quarters, restricted their provisions, and even removed the roof of the building to hasten their deliberations under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, these pressures led to the election of Teobaldo Visconti, who took the name Pope Gregory X. Recognizing the need for a more structured and prayerful process, Pope Gregory X later formalized the practice of enclosing the cardinals during papal elections—a system now known as the conclave. Since that time, the conclave has remained a solemn and sacred gathering, entrusted with the profound responsibility of discerning and electing the Bishop of Rome under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Who Can Be Elected Pope?

Technically, any baptized male Catholic is eligible to be elected pope. However, for centuries, it has become customary to elect a cardinal. This is due to their ecclesial experience, spiritual leadership, and familiarity with the global Church’s needs. While not a canonical requirement, choosing from within the College of Cardinals helps maintain continuity and preparedness for the immense responsibility.

Who Are the Electors?

The electors are cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the pope’s death or resignation. According to norms established by Saint Paul VI and reaffirmed by his successors, these cardinals—representing the universal Church—are summoned to Rome to participate in the conclave. Each one brings the voice of the local churches they serve, uniting in prayerful discernment.

Where Does the Conclave Take Place?

The conclave is held in Vatican City, within the Sistine Chapel, one of the most renowned artistic and spiritual spaces in the world. Before the conclave begins, the Chapel is thoroughly inspected, and all communication devices are blocked to ensure absolute confidentiality. Cardinals reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae during this period but are only allowed to move between this residence and the Sistine Chapel, under strict supervision.

The first papal conclave to be held within the Sistine Chapel took place in the year 1492, culminating in the election of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who assumed the papal name Alexander VI. Completed only nine years prior, the Sistine Chapel offered both the practical requirements of seclusion and security, as well as a setting of profound spiritual and symbolic significance. Its use for the conclave marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to this day. The sacred art adorning its walls, particularly Michelangelo’s depiction of the Last Judgment above the altar, serves as a powerful visual reminder to the cardinal electors of the solemnity of their task and their accountability before God. Since then, the Sistine Chapel has remained the principal and deeply revered setting for the election of the Roman Pontiff.

The Sistine Chapel

What Happens Before the Election?

Before the actual voting begins, the cardinals gather for a special Mass, Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice (“For the Election of the Roman Pontiff”), invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They then process into the Sistine Chapel, where they take a solemn oath of secrecy and fidelity. Once the doors are closed, the world outside must wait. The famous phrase “Extra omnes!” (“Everyone out!”) is pronounced, and the deliberations begin.

How Is the Voting Carried Out?

Voting is conducted with extreme care and ritual precision. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot, folds it, and approaches the altar to cast his vote. He swears that his choice was made freely and prayerfully. The ballots are then counted and read aloud by designated scrutineers.

To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If no one achieves this threshold, the process continues with up to four votes per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Ballots are burned after each voting session. Chemicals are added to the smoke to create black smoke (fumata nera) when no pope has been elected, and white smoke (fumata bianca) when a new pope has been chosen.

Historically, however, the distinction between the two was not always clear, with the smoke at times appearing gray or even taking on an ambiguous hue. A notable example occurred during the 1958 conclave, when the smoke initially seemed white, prompting premature reports of a successful election before confirmation had been given. To address such confusion, beginning with the 2005 conclave, the Vatican adopted a more precise method by employing specific chemical compounds to ensure unmistakable color differentiation. White smoke is now produced using a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine rosin, while black smoke is generated from pitch, sulfur, and potassium perchlorate. In addition to this visual signal, the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica was introduced as an audible confirmation of the election, further ensuring that the faithful gathered in the square—and those around the world—receive a clear and joyous announcement: Habemus Papam.

What Happens When a Pope Is Elected?

Once a cardinal receives the required majority and accepts his election, he is asked two crucial questions: whether he accepts the canonical election and what name he wishes to be known by. Upon acceptance, he immediately becomes the Pope, the Bishop of Rome, and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

He is then dressed in papal garments prepared in three sizes in the Room of Tears, so named because many popes have been visibly moved upon realizing the magnitude of their new mission. After a brief moment with the cardinal electors, he proceeds to the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

There, the senior cardinal deacon announces: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!”—“I announce to you a great joy: we have a Pope!” The new Pope then imparts his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi—“To the City and to the World.”

Curiosities and Anecdotes

Conclaves are rich in tradition and have inspired numerous stories over the centuries. Here are some curiosities and anecdotes throughout history:

• The longest papal conclave in the history of the Church occurred in the city of Viterbo and lasted from from November 1268 to 1 September 1271—a period of 1,006 days. The protracted deliberations, marked by deep divisions among the cardinal electors, caused considerable frustration among the faithful and the local population. Tensions grew to the point where, according to historical accounts, the people began to express their impatience by throwing stones at the episcopal palace where the cardinals were gathered. In the face of such pressure and recognizing the urgent need for unity and leadership, the cardinals ultimately turned to a candidate who was not even present at the conclave: Teobaldo Visconti, a respected archdeacon who was at the time serving on crusade in Acre, in the Holy Land. Upon his return, he humbly accepted the call and was consecrated as Pope Gregory X, later instituting key reforms to the election process to prevent such extended vacancies in the future.
• The shortest conclave on record took place in 1503, resulting in the swift election of Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, who became Pope Julius II. The election occurred within just a few hours following the death of his predecessor, Pope Pius III. A prominent and influential figure within the College of Cardinals, Julius II had long been preparing for the papacy and possessed the support and resources necessary to secure a prompt and unified decision from the electors. His pontificate would leave a lasting mark on the Church and the world of sacred art. Among his most enduring contributions was the commissioning of Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel—a masterpiece that continues to inspire awe and devotion. In this way, even a rapidly concluded conclave played a role in the unfolding of the Church’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage.
• There are also stories of papal names chosen to honor predecessors or convey spiritual messages. When Cardinal Albino Luciani was elected in 1978, he chose the name John Paul I, paying tribute to his two immediate predecessors. His successor, John Paul II, continued that homage.
• The papal shoes, traditionally red, symbolize martyrdom and the Pope’s willingness to walk in the path of Christ. Each new pope may choose whether or not to wear them, reflecting personal style and symbolic emphasis.
• Following the election of a new pope, one of the immediate tasks is for him to appear before the faithful in the traditional white papal attire. In preparation for this, the Vatican provides a room known as the Room of Tears, where the newly elected pontiff is given three different sizes of white cassocks to ensure a proper fit. The name of this room reflects the profound emotional significance of the moment, as well as the weight of the responsibility the new pope assumes. The pressure of changing into full papal vestments quickly can indeed be overwhelming, both physically and spiritually. A notable instance of this occurred in 2005, when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected as Pope Benedict XVI, found the cassock prepared for him to be slightly too large, causing him to appear somewhat overwhelmed by the new role. Additionally, there is an amusing historical anecdote from 1846, when Pope Pius IX accidentally appeared on the balcony to greet the crowds while still wearing his slippers, having forgotten to change out of his chamber shoes. This lighthearted moment serves as a reminder that even in the midst of such a monumental occasion, the human aspect of the papacy is never far from view.
• Upon his election, the new pope selects a regnal name, a tradition that dates back to the 6th century with Pope John II. His decision to adopt a papal name was motivated by the desire to distance himself from his birth name, Mercurius, which shared its origin with a Roman deity—an association that was not in keeping with Christian principles. The choice of a papal name often reflects the priorities and vision of the new pontiff. For example, Pope Francis chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, signaling a renewed emphasis on humility, simplicity, and care for the poor—values that have shaped his papacy. Some names, such as Pius and Leo, have been used numerous times throughout history, while others, like Francis, are chosen for the first time. An interesting fact is that there has never been a Pope Peter II, a choice made out of deep respect for Saint Peter, the first pope. Several pontiffs have even explicitly stated that they would never adopt this name, honoring the singular and foundational role of St. Peter in the Church’s history.
• Today, the cardinals participating in a papal conclave are accommodated at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a modern Vatican guesthouse. However, in centuries past, the conditions during a conclave were far more austere. Cardinals were often confined to monasteries, where they faced minimal provisions, inadequate hygiene, and rudimentary toilet arrangements. In the 1314 conclave, the cardinals were permitted to sleep in their own cells but were required to gather for voting each morning. During this period, one cardinal is said to have feigned illness for weeks, attempting to avoid attending the daily sessions and potentially breaking a tie in the election. A century later, in 1830, the conclave was delayed due to the illness of several elderly cardinals, who fell victim to the harsh cold. In response, the Vatican took measures to address the situation by providing extra blankets and soup to ensure the cardinals’ well-being.
• Despite the solemn rituals and traditions, papal conclaves are, at their core, deeply human events. Factions often form among the cardinals, campaigns are organized, and behind-the-scenes negotiations are a common aspect of the process. Ii is said that, in the 20th century, two popes—John Paul II and Francis—were elected as “compromise candidates” after the leading contenders failed to secure enough votes to win the election. At times, unexpected outcomes arise. In one memorable 17th-century conclave, a cardinal who went to bed as a longshot candidate woke up to find himself elected as Pope Innocent XI—a remarkable example of what might be called a divine surprise. In the 1903 conclave, Cardinal Giuseppe Sarto, who would later become Pope Pius X, was overwhelmed with emotion when he realized that he was a leading candidate. “I am unworthy,” he exclaimed. To this, another cardinal responded simply, “We all are,” reflecting the humility and deep sense of unworthiness that often accompanies the election of the successor of St. Peter.
• One of the most unusual papal elections in history took place in the 3rd century, following the brief reign of Pope Anterus. According to the 4th-century historian Eusebius of Caesarea, Fabian—a noble Roman who had arrived in the city from the countryside—wasn’t even a candidate for the papacy. In fact, as Eusebius notes, “he was in the mind of none.” Yet during the deliberations, which lasted thirteen days and involved the names of several prominent and noble clergymen, an extraordinary event occurred: a dove suddenly descended and rested on Fabian’s head. To those present, the sight evoked the biblical image of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus at his baptism. Taking it as a divine sign, the electors immediately proclaimed Fabian bishop of Rome by acclamation.
• Nowadays, papal conclaves tend to be swift affairs—since the early 20th century, none has lasted more than five days. In fact, the 1939 conclave that elected Eugenio Pacelli as Pope Pius XII wrapped up in record time: he was chosen on the very first day, after just three ballots—just months before the outbreak of World War II. But things weren’t always so efficient. Back in the 17th century, the average conclave stretched out to 39 days. And the 18th century set a new standard for slow: the nine papal elections of that era took an average of 94 days. The all-time record? A staggering 181 days in 1740, when the cardinals finally settled on Prospero Lambertini, who became Pope Benedict XIV.
• At the close of the Middle Ages, the Latin Church experienced a time of internal turmoil known as the Avignon Papacy, when the popes resided in southern France rather than in Rome. It was during this complex period that several remarkable and even touching stories emerged from the conclaves and the men they elected. One such case was the election of Pope Benedict XII in 1334. The Church was still navigating the early tensions that would eventually lead to the Western Schism, and the College of Cardinals sought a worthy successor to Pope John XXII—a faithful shepherd, accomplished theologian, and skilled mediator of the many conflicts that troubled Europe at the time. They found their candidate in Jacques Fournier, a humble Cistercian monk from modest beginnings. The son of a baker, Fournier had studied theology and risen through the ranks of monastic life to become an abbot. His white habit earned him the nickname “the White Cardinal” when he was elevated to the College of Cardinals. To his own surprise, the conclave chose him as the next pope. Feeling unworthy of the role, Fournier reportedly exclaimed to the other cardinals upon hearing the news: “You have chosen a donkey!” Despite his self-effacing reaction, he accepted the call and took the name Benedict XII—serving the Church with the wisdom and humility that had marked his entire life.

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The conclave is not merely a voting procedure. It is a sacred act of discernment and communion. Each time it is convened, it connects the Church to its apostolic roots and prepares it to face the future under new leadership.

The legacy of each conclave is measured not just by who is chosen, but by how faithfully the process was carried out—with reverence, humility, and trust in the Holy Spirit. For Catholics around the world, it is an invitation to pray, to hope, and to embrace the unity of the Church under its newly chosen shepherd.