Behind closed doors: how a new pope is chosen by the secret conclave
With deep emotion, today we say goodbye to Pope Francis — a shepherd of humility, compassion, and unwavering hope. His papacy touched hearts across the world, reminding us that love, mercy, and humanity must always lead the way. As the Church prepares to enter a new chapter, his legacy will remain a guiding light in times of uncertainty and a timeless call to walk with the most vulnerable.
After the pope's death or resignation, the Catholic Church has a long and fascinating tradition of selecting a new pope. This process, called the “conclave”, is filled with spiritual importance, history, and secrecy. But how does it actually work? Let's see what happens inside the Vatican when the time comes to select a new pope.
Gathering the cardinals: the first step in the selection of a new pope
The College of Cardinals, a group of high-ranking church officials from all around the
world, is in charge of choosing a new pope. But only cardinals under the age of 80 are
eligible to vote. Before the voting starts, this chosen group—which can have no more
than 120 members—travels to Rome and meets at the Vatican for discussions and
prayers.
Secrecy behind the Sistine Chapel’s locked doors
When everything is ready, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, the stunning hall
decorated with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. To guarantee that no information about
their discussions ever leaves the room, they sign an oath of secrecy here. The doors of
the Sistine Chapel are then sealed with a key, which is why the Latin word
"conclave",means "locked with a key". From this moment, secrecy is absolute; no
communication with the outside world is allowed. Meanwhile, the world waits for a signal
from the Vatican: the color of the smoke that rises from the chapel’s chimney.
What the white and black smoke really means in the pope’s election?
The cardinals cast their votes in secret, writing the name of their preferred candidate on a
ballot. A candidate needs to get at least two-thirds of the votes to be elected pope. When
black smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, it means that no
candidate has reached the threshold and the voting must continue. This happens
because the ballots are burned in a special stove inside chapel.
Voting can take several days, with ballots burned after each unsuccessful round. But
when a candidate finally receives the necessary number of votes, the ballots are
burned with special chemicals that produce white smoke—a sign that a new pope
has been chosen! This iconic moment brings cheers from the crowds gathered in St.
Peter’s Square.
Habemus Papam! The famous words that announce a new pope’s election
Once a new pope is elected, he is asked if he accepts the role. If he agrees, he
chooses a new papal name and puts on the traditional white robes. The world then waits
for the moment when the senior cardinal deacon steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s
Basilica and announces: "Habemus Papam!" —"We have a pope!" in Latin.
Shortly after, the new pope makes his public debut before the crowd in St. Peter’s Square
and gives his first blessing to the city of Rome and the world. For Catholics worldwide,
it is a time for immense joy and celebration.
The election of a pope is one of the most intriguing events in the modern world. Even
though the process has changed over the ages, it remains deeply rooted in history and
tradition. Regardless of your religious beliefs, witnessing the appointment of a new
pope is an exciting experience and a unique chance to discover the fascinating customs
of the Vatican.