The election of a new pope is one of the most solemn and closely watched traditions in the Roman Catholic Church. Known formally as the Papal Conclave, this centuries-old process combines ancient rituals with modern-day procedures to select the next leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
The election of a pope only takes place after the current pope has either died or resigned — a rare occurrence, with only one resignation in the modern era (Pope Benedict XVI in 2013). Here’s how the Vatican selects a new pope, step by step.
The Vacancy of the Apostolic See
When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period known as “sede vacante” — Latin for “the seat being vacant.” During this time, all administrative decisions are handled by the College of Cardinals under strict limitations, while preparations begin for the conclave.
The Role of the College of Cardinals
The task of electing a new pope rests solely with the College of Cardinals — a body of senior Catholic clerics appointed by previous popes. However, only cardinals who are under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. As of 2025, the maximum number of cardinal electors is capped at 120.
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The Conclave: A Secret and Sacred Process
The actual election takes place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City during a highly secretive event called the Conclave. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” signifying that the cardinals are locked away from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.
Before the voting begins, the cardinals participate in a Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff at St. Peter’s Basilica. They then proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where strict security measures are enforced to prevent any leaks — including the use of signal-jamming technology and sworn oaths of secrecy.
Voting and Election Requirements
The election is carried out via secret ballot. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a paper ballot and folds it. These ballots are collected and counted by designated scrutineers.
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A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes to be elected pope. If no one achieves this threshold, the cardinals continue voting — typically up to four ballots a day — until a consensus is reached.
The Black and White Smoke
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove inside the Sistine Chapel. The smoke signals to the world whether a new pope has been elected:
– Black smoke (fumata nera): No pope has been elected.
– White smoke (fumata bianca): A new pope has been chosen.
The appearance of white smoke is traditionally met with ringing bells at St. Peter’s Basilica to confirm the decision.
The Acceptance and Announcement: Habemus Papam!
Once a candidate secures enough votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks him the crucial question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
If the answer is “Yes,” the new pope chooses his papal name, which is often inspired by saints, previous popes, or symbolic significance. Afterward, the Cardinal Protodeacon steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and makes the historic announcement: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”).
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The new pope then appears on the balcony to give his first Urbi et Orbi blessing — a moment watched by millions across the globe.
A Process Rooted in History and Faith
The conclave process has been in place, with various reforms, since the 13th century. Modern procedures were refined by Pope John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, and slightly adjusted by his successors.
While shrouded in tradition, the papal election is ultimately a spiritual decision, guided by prayer, debate, and consensus among the world’s highest-ranking Catholic cardinals.
