CONCLAVE BEGINS TOMORROW: What Exactly Happens Behind Closed Doors?

May 6, 2025: On May 7, 133 cardinal-electors will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin one of the most secretive and sacred events in the Catholic Church—the election of the next pope. Known as a conclave, this ancient tradition takes its name from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” symbolizing the strict isolation of the cardinals during the election.

This practice began formally in 1274, ensuring that the decision is free from external influence. From the moment the conclave begins, all cardinal-electors are completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, no internet, and no media.

A Solemn Oath

Before casting any votes, each cardinal takes a sacred oath, promising to uphold secrecy and to elect the new pope based solely on God’s guidance. Breaking this oath brings automatic excommunication—a reflection of the spiritual weight of the task ahead.

A Divine Decision: The Voting Process

Each cardinal receives a ballot with the Latin phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). After prayerful consideration, they write the name of their chosen candidate and fold the ballot twice to preserve anonymity.

Then, one by one, the cardinals walk to the altar. Holding up their ballot for all to see, they proclaim:

“I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who, before God, I think should be elected.”

They then place the ballot into a special urn crafted for this purpose.

How Votes are Tallied

Three scrutineers, selected by lot from among the cardinals, count the ballots. Each vote is read aloud and recorded. If the number of ballots doesn’t match the number of voters, the round is voided and repeated.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope. With 133 electors, that means at least 89 votes. If no one reaches this, the cardinals vote again—up to four times daily (two in the morning, two in the afternoon).

How Long Does It Take to Elect a Pope?

The duration of a papal conclave can vary significantly. The longest conclave in history took place in the 13th century, where the election process stretched on for almost three years. However, in recent times, the process has been relatively swift. For example, in 2013, Pope Francis was elected after just five ballots, and Pope Benedict XVI was chosen after the fourth ballot in 2005. These modern conclaves demonstrate that the election of a new pope can often occur more quickly than in past centuries.

Smoke Signals and Chemical Clarity

After each round, all ballots are burned in a special stove. To communicate the outcome, colored smoke is released through a chimney visible to crowds in St. Peter’s Square:

Black smoke (fumata nera) = No pope elected

White smoke (fumata bianca) = A new pope has been chosen

To produce clear signals, the Vatican uses chemical additives:

Black smoke: potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur

White smoke: potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin

This helps avoid the confusion of unclear smoke seen in older conclaves.

When a Pope Is Chosen

Once a candidate secures the required votes, he’s asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name and is led to the 'Room of Tears' (a private chamber next to the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace; named for the deep emotions many popes feel upon accepting their new role) to change into papal vestments.

Moments later, he steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the world hears the long-awaited words: “Habemus Papam”—“We have a Pope.”

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image credit: Jobaaj Stories