Inside the Vatican’s Secret Papal Conclave: How the Next Pope Will Be Chosen
As the world watches, the Catholic Church is preparing for one of its most sacred and mysterious traditions — the papal conclave.
What Is the Conclave?
The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” symbolizing the sealed nature of this centuries-old process. The College of Cardinals, made up of the Church’s most senior leaders, is responsible for electing the next pope.
Out of more than 250 cardinals worldwide, only around 135 are eligible to vote. These cardinal electors must be under the age of 80. Notably, nearly 110 of them were appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his commitment to a more diverse and inclusive Church.
When and Where Does It Happen?
The conclave begins roughly 15 to 20 days after the death or resignation of a pope. The cardinals gather in Rome and initiate the election process inside the iconic Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s world-famous ceiling.
Secrecy and Sacred Rituals
Once the words “Extra omnes” (“everyone out”) are declared, all non-essential personnel leave and the chapel doors are locked. The cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy — phones, internet, newspapers, and external contact are strictly forbidden. The Sistine Chapel is even scanned for hidden recording devices.
Cardinals stay nearby at St. Martha’s House, the same guesthouse Pope Francis has called home since his election in 2013.
How the Voting Works
Each day includes two rounds of voting, morning and afternoon. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. After every seven rounds, a day of prayer is observed. Ballots are cast in secret, written on slips that say "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”).
Ballots are burned after each round, with chemicals added to produce either black smoke (no decision) or white smoke (a new pope has been chosen).
The Moment of Truth
Once elected, the chosen cardinal is asked if he accepts. He then selects a papal name and is led to the Room of Tears to don the papal vestments — three sizes prepared in advance by Vatican tailors. The dean of the College of Cardinals steps out onto St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony and declares to the world: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”
The new pope then appears to give his first blessing, marking the start of a new era for the Catholic Church and its 1.3 billion faithful.
As this sacred ritual approaches, the world looks to the Vatican, where age-old tradition meets modern expectation in the most significant spiritual decision on Earth. The papal conclave is not just a ceremony — it's a moment that shapes the future of global Catholicism.