The Vatican: How the Papal Conclave Elects a New Pope
- Newswatch
GospelExplore
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- 12 minutes read
The mysteries and intrigue surrounding the election of a new pope have fascinated people for centuries. This ancient ritual, steeped in tradition, ceremony, and secrecy, was dramatically brought to life in last year’s Oscar-nominated film starring Ralph Fiennes. The film captured the tension, solemnity, and awe that accompany the gathering of the College of Cardinals to choose the next spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. But what exactly happens behind the closed doors of the Vatican during a papal conclave? Let’s delve into this time-honored process and uncover how the next pope is chosen.
Understanding the Papal Conclave
The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” This is a literal reference to the practice of locking the cardinals in a room until they reach a decision. The conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals, the body of senior church officials responsible for electing the pope. The tradition dates back to the 13th century and remains largely unchanged in its core structure and purpose.
The pope, also known as the Bishop of Rome, is the leader of the global Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State. When a pope dies or resigns—as was the case with Pope Benedict XVI in 2013—a conclave is convened to elect his successor.
Who Can Vote?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in a conclave. This rule, established by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and reinforced by later popes, ensures that those casting votes are active and capable of fulfilling their duties.
The maximum number of voting cardinals is capped at 120, though the actual number may vary depending on deaths or appointments. These electors come from all over the world, representing the global nature of the Church. Their duty is not only to vote but also to pray, reflect, and seek divine guidance throughout the election process.
Before the Conclave: The Sede Vacante Period
When the papal seat becomes vacant (sede vacante), the Vatican enters a period of preparation and mourning. The Camerlengo, a cardinal appointed to manage the Church’s temporal affairs during this time, oversees the daily functioning of the Vatican.
All major decisions are postponed until a new pope is elected. The cardinals gather in Rome, and a series of General Congregations (pre-conclave meetings) are held. These meetings allow cardinals to discuss the needs of the Church, consider potential candidates, and reflect on the qualities required of the next pope.
Entering the Conclave
The actual conclave begins with a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, where the election will take place. The cardinals chant prayers, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Once everyone is inside, the doors are locked with the dramatic declaration “Extra omnes!” (“Everyone out!”), and the sacred process begins.
Secrecy is paramount. The cardinals take an oath of confidentiality, swearing not to reveal any details of the proceedings under penalty of excommunication. All forms of communication with the outside world are cut off. No phones, no internet, no media—just the cardinals and their mission.
The Voting Process
The election of a new pope takes place through a series of secret ballots. Each day, four votes may be held—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Here’s how each round of voting works:
- Distribution of Ballots: Each cardinal receives a rectangular piece of paper with the words Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) printed at the top.
- Casting the Vote: In order of seniority, the cardinals approach the altar, hold up their ballots, and then place them into a chalice or urn on the altar. They swear that their vote is given freely and honestly.
- Counting the Votes: Once all votes are cast, three designated cardinals (called scrutineers) open and count the ballots aloud. A two-thirds majority is required for a valid election.
- Recording and Burning: After counting, the ballots are threaded onto a string and burned in a special stove. Chemicals are added to the smoke to make it black or white.
The Significance of the Smoke
The colored smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney is the most visible sign of the conclave’s progress to the outside world.
- Black Smoke (Fumata Nera): Indicates that no pope has been elected.
- White Smoke (Fumata Bianca): Signals that a new pope has been chosen.
Crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chimney, waiting for that momentous puff of white smoke.
“Habemus Papam!” – We Have a Pope
Once a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote, he is asked whether he accepts the election. If he says yes, he is then asked what name he will take as pope—a tradition dating back to the 6th century.
After a brief period of prayer and preparation, the new pope changes into papal garments and is introduced to the world. The Cardinal Protodeacon steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
(“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”)
The new pontiff then steps out to give his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“To the city and to the world”).
A Sacred but Human Process
Though infused with prayer, solemnity, and ritual, the conclave is also a very human process. The cardinals must weigh spiritual guidance with political considerations, balancing theological integrity, leadership ability, and global representation. Debates, discussions, and strategic alliances often take place in the days before and during the conclave.
The Ralph Fiennes film brought some of this drama to the silver screen, portraying the weight of the decision and the personalities involved. But the real conclave, despite its secrecy, reveals something deeper: the enduring commitment of the Church to seek divine guidance through its most sacred tradition.
Conclusion
The election of a new pope is more than just a political or administrative procedure; it is a profound spiritual event that affects over a billion Catholics worldwide. It combines centuries of tradition, strict protocol, and deep prayerful discernment. While films may dramatize the tension and mystery, the real-life process is no less remarkable in its solemn beauty.
From the moment the doors close on the Sistine Chapel to the appearance of white smoke and the joyous announcement of “Habemus Papam,” the papal conclave remains one of the most unique and awe-inspiring events in the world.
