Conclave: How the Catholic Church Chooses the New Pope

How does the Conclave work?

1. Sede Vacante : The process begins when the position of Pope becomes vacant, either through death or resignation.

2. Convocation of Cardinals : Cardinals under the age of 80 are summoned to the Vatican.

3. Isolation : Cardinals are isolated in the Sistine Chapel, with no contact with the outside world.

4. Voting : Up to four votes are held per day. A candidate needs two-thirds of the votes to be elected.

5. Smoke : After each vote, the ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates that there was no election; white smoke announces the election of a new Pope.

The Conclave of 2025

On May 7, 2025, 133 cardinals from 71 countries gathered in the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025. This was the most international conclave in history, reflecting the diversity of the Catholic Church.

FAQ

1. Who can be elected Pope?
Any baptized, single, Catholic man can be elected, but traditionally, the choice falls on a cardinal.

2. How long does a conclave last?
There is no fixed time, but it usually lasts a few days. The 2025 conclave, for example, was scheduled to last three to four days.

3. What does “Extra Omnes” mean?
It is the Latin expression for “all out,” used to ask everyone who is not participating in the election to leave the Sistine Chapel before voting begins.

4. How is the world informed about the election of a new Pope?
Through the white smoke coming out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the announcement “Habemus Papam” made by the cardinal protodeacon.

5. What happens after the election?
The new Pope chooses a papal name, dresses in white robes and is presented to the public in St. Peter’s Square.