New Pope Election: What a Conclave Means and How it Works

When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church holds a conclave to choose his successor. For example, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Currently, the Catholic Church is preparing to elect a new pope after the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.

In Catholic tradition, a conclave is a secretive gathering of cardinals held in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. The term “conclave” comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” which refers to the locked doors behind which the cardinals meet to vote.

What a Conclave Means

The conclave process, officially established in 1274, is governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued in 1996 by Pope John Paul II. This document, which outlines the rules for papal elections, has since been modified slightly by Popes Benedict XVI and Francis

Only cardinals under the age of 80 in the College of Cardinals are eligible to participate in the election of a new pope.

Currently, 133 cardinals have traveled to Rome to participate in the election.

Among the cardinal electors, Europe holds the largest share, with over 50 members—Italy being the most heavily represented. The group also includes 10 from the United States, 23 from Asia, 21 from Latin America, and 18 from Africa.

Also Read: Why a Pope Chooses a New Name After Election

Typically, the conclave begins 15 days after the papal vacancy, although this timeframe can be adjusted. The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is the traditional venue for the conclave, sealed off for privacy and security while the cardinals gather to vote.

During the conclave, the cardinals stay in a separate area. They are not allowed to communicate with anyone outside. This includes the prohibition of phones and internet access to prevent outside influence.

Each cardinal takes an oath of secrecy, swearing not to reveal any details of the conclave. The oath they take is, “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.”

How it Works

Voting occurs through secret ballots, with up to four ballots cast per day (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). Cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot while using disguised handwriting to ensure anonymity.

A two-thirds majority (or two-thirds plus one if the number of electors isn’t divisible by three) is required to elect a new pope.

Also Read: Catholic Church Clarifies Cardinal Njue Participating in Pope’s Election

After each voting session, ballots are counted, read aloud, and burned. The smoke produced is visible from St. Peter’s Square: black smoke (with wet straw added) indicates that no pope has been elected, while white smoke (with the addition of a chemical additive) signals that a new pope has been chosen.

Once a candidate achieves the required majority, he is asked whether he accepts the election and what name he will take.

Following this, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, introduced by the Cardinal Protodeacon with the phrase. The pope then delivers his first blessing to the Vatican City and the world.

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