The Conclave from the Middle Ages to The Present Day

6 May, 2025

On May 7, 2025, 133 cardinal electors from around the world will convene in the Sistine Chapel in Rome to begin the 76th Conclave in modern history to elect the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The word "Conclave" originates from the Latin words cum (meaning "with") and clavis (meaning "key")—and refers both to the locked chamber where the election is held and to the electoral assembly of Cardinals. The system in its current form dates back to 1274, when Pope Gregory X issued the Constitution Ubi periculum following his own election in 1271, which lasted nearly three years (1268-1271) due to external interference.

Following the Ubi periculum, the first official Conclave was held in Arezzo, Tuscany, in 1276 with the election of Innocent V. In 1621, Pope Gregory XV introduced the requirement for secret and written ballots. In 1904, Pius X abolished any right of exclusion claimed by monarchs and enforced secrecy about all that happens in the Conclave—even after its conclusion.

Historical Evolution of the Papal Election

The system of the papal election has undergone numerous reforms over the centuries. A pivotal change came in 1059, when Pope Nicholas II issued the Bull In nomine Domini, granting the exclusive right to elect the Pope to the College of Cardinals. Prior to this, the broader Christian community was involved: lay faithful proposed candidates, clergy evaluated them, and bishops made the final decision. However, this process was frequently influenced by political forces.

In 1179, Pope Alexander III issued the Constitution Licet de vitanda, establishing the requirement of a two-thirds majority to elect a pope—a rule that remains in effect today.

Papal Conclaves Over the Years

The first papal Conclave held in the Sistine Chapel occurred in 1492. Although it became the permanent site in 1878, earlier elections took place in various locations, mostly within Rome. However, 15 Conclaves were held outside the city, including in France and Germany during times of political turmoil.

Pope St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis affirmed the Sistine Chapel—renowned as the “Via Pulchritudinis” (Way of Beauty)—as the official and symbolic venue for future papal elections, cementing its central role in Church tradition.

Changes from the 20th century to Today

The modern Conclave involves strict protocols. After World War II, Pope Pius XII issued Vacantis Apostolicae Sedis (1945), establishing that during a papal vacancy, all cardinals cease their duties except the Camerlengo, the Major Penitentiary, and the Vicar of Rome. Later, Pope Paul VI, in Ingravescentem Aetatem, decreed that only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote in a papal conclave.

Duration of Conclaves

The length of Conclaves has varied widely throughout history. The shortest, in 1503, lasted just a few hours, while the longest, from 1268 to 1271, spanned over two years.The most recent Conclave, in 2013, which elected Pope Francis, lasted less than two days.

Upon the election of a new pope, white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Traditionally, within an hour, the new Pontiff appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing to the faithful gathered below.

While most popes in modern history have been Cardinals, canon law does not require this. The last non-Cardinal elected as pope was Urban VI in 1378.

As the college of cardinals convenes tomorrow in the Sistine Chapel for the 76th conclave in the history of the Church, over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide await with great anticipation the emergence of their new spiritual shepherd.

By Lisa Zengarini, with contributions from Amedeo Lomonaco

Courtesy: Vatican News