How Is a Pope Elected? A Detailed Guide to the Papal Conclave


The election of a pope is a sacred and intricate process, deeply rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition. Known as the papal conclave, this highly secretive procedure brings together the College of Cardinals to select the next Bishop of Rome, the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. With the recent passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, global attention is focused on the Vatican as preparations begin for the 2025 conclave. This comprehensive guide details the step-by-step process of electing a pope, its historical evolution, and what to expect in the upcoming election, optimized for publication on The Interview Times.

What Is a Papal Conclave?

The term “conclave” derives from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), symbolizing the locked seclusion of the cardinals during the election. Held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, the conclave ensures a prayerful and independent process free from external influence. The rules governing the conclave are outlined in the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (1996), issued by Pope John Paul II and amended by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 2013, providing a structured framework for the election.

Step-by-Step Process of Electing a Pope

1. Sede Vacante: The Vacant See

Upon the death or resignation of a pope, the papal office enters a state known as sede vacante (“vacant seat”). Following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025, the cardinal camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, assumes temporary administrative duties. The camerlengo officially confirms the pope’s death, destroys the Ring of the Fisherman (the papal seal) to prevent unauthorized use, and seals the pope’s private apartments. No significant ecclesiastical decisions, such as appointing bishops, are made during this period.

2. General Congregations

Within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death, cardinals worldwide convene in Rome for general congregations. These preparatory meetings allow cardinals to discuss the Church’s challenges, such as theological disputes, global evangelization, or social issues like poverty and climate change. All cardinals, including those over 80, participate, but only cardinal electors—those under 80 at the start of the sede vacante—can vote in the conclave. As of April 2025, there are approximately 130 cardinal electors, reflecting Pope Francis’s efforts to diversify the College with representation from 83 countries, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

3. The Conclave Begins

The conclave commences with a Pro Eligendo Pontifice Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, seeking divine guidance for the election. The cardinal electors then process to the Sistine Chapel, singing the Veni Creator Spiritus, a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit. Inside, they swear an oath of secrecy, promising not to reveal the conclave’s proceedings under penalty of excommunication.

The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations issues the command “Extra omnes!” (“Everyone out!”), and all non-essential personnel exit. The Sistine Chapel’s doors are locked, and the area is electronically swept to prevent surveillance. Cardinals are housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guesthouse, and are prohibited from using phones, computers, or accessing media during the conclave.

4. Voting Process

The voting is a meticulous ritual, conducted with precision and reverence:

  • Balloting Schedule: On the first day, one ballot is held in the afternoon. On subsequent days, four ballots occur—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. With 130 electors, this requires at least 87 votes.
  • Casting Votes: Each cardinal writes their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot inscribed with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). The ballot is folded twice, and the cardinal approaches the altar, swearing before Michelangelo’s Last Judgment: “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.” The ballot is placed on a paten and slid into a chalice.
  • Counting and Scrutiny: Three scrutineers, chosen by lot, count the ballots aloud, while three revisers verify the tally. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals to produce black smoke (fumata nera), visible from St. Peter’s Square, indicating an inconclusive vote.
  • Pauses and Adjustments: After three days without a result, a day of prayer and reflection is held. If no pope is elected after approximately 12–13 days (30 ballots), the cardinals may, under exceptional circumstances, reduce the requirement to a simple majority or limit voting to the top two candidates, per rules amended by Pope Benedict XVI.

5. Election and Acceptance

When a candidate achieves the two-thirds majority, the Cardinal Dean, currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (as the senior cardinal bishop under 80), asks: “Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?” (“Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”). If the candidate responds “Accepto” (“I accept”), he becomes pope immediately.

The new pope selects his papal name, often reflecting his mission or honoring a predecessor. For example, Pope Francis chose his name in 2013 to emulate St. Francis of Assisi’s dedication to the poor. The ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke (fumata bianca), signaling a successful election. St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells ring to confirm the announcement.

6. Habemus Papam and First Blessing

The new pope retreats to the Room of Tears beside the Sistine Chapel to don papal vestments, tailored in multiple sizes. He then appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon, currently Cardinal Renato Martino, announces: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), revealing the pope’s birth name and papal name in Latin.

The pope delivers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing (“to the city and the world”), addressing the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and Catholics globally, marking the start of his pontificate.

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Who Can Be Elected Pope?

Canonically, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope, but he must be ordained a bishop before assuming office. Since 1378, when Urban VI (a non-cardinal) was elected, all popes have been cardinals. Women are ineligible, as Church law restricts ordination to men. In 2025, likely candidates (“papabili”) include:

  • Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), known for his pastoral charisma and progressive views.
  • Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), Vatican Secretary of State with diplomatic expertise.
  • Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), a conservative advocate for social justice.
  • Cardinal Seán O’Malley (United States), a reformist focused on clergy abuse issues.

Historical Evolution of the Papal Conclave

The papal election process has evolved over two millennia:

  • Early Church (1st–10th Centuries): Popes were selected by Rome’s clergy and laity, often influenced by emperors or nobility.
  • 1059 Reform: Pope Nicholas II’s In Nomine Domini limited voting to cardinals, reducing secular interference.
  • 1179 Rule: The Third Lateran Council mandated a two-thirds majority, a rule still in effect.
  • 1274 Conclave: After a 34-month deadlock, Pope Gregory X introduced the conclave, locking cardinals in seclusion to expedite elections.
  • Modern Era: Popes Pius X, Paul VI, and John Paul II refined procedures, with Universi Dominici Gregis (1996) codifying current rules.

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The 2025 Conclave: What to Expect

The 2025 conclave, likely occurring between May 6 and May 11, 2025, will be historic due to its size and diversity. Of the 130 cardinal electors, 103 were appointed by Pope Francis, favoring candidates who share his vision of inclusivity and social justice. The global composition—43% from Europe, 23% from Latin America, 17% from Asia, 13% from Africa, and 4% from North America—raises the possibility of a non-European pope, potentially from Asia or Africa.

The next pope will face challenges like healing Church divisions, addressing the decline of Catholicism in Europe, and continuing Pope Francis’s emphasis on interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship. The conclave’s outcome will shape the Church’s trajectory for decades.

Why Is the Conclave So Secretive?

Secrecy ensures the cardinals’ independence and fosters discernment guided by the Holy Spirit. The oath of secrecy, enforced by the threat of excommunication, prevents leaks and external pressures from governments, media, or interest groups. The Vatican’s precautions, including electronic sweeps and isolation, maintain the process’s integrity.

Conclusion

The papal conclave is a profound blend of faith, tradition, and meticulous procedure, ensuring the Catholic Church’s continuity through divine guidance. From the general congregations to the iconic white smoke, the election of a pope captivates the world. As the 2025 conclave approaches, Catholics and observers alike await the next Successor of St. Peter, who will lead the Church into a new era.

Stay updated on the 2025 papal election at The Interview Times.