The election of a new pope by the Vatican’s conclave is a secret and complicated process. Its name is derived from the Latin phrase “cum clave,” or “with key.” Yet this is the term that most accurately reflects the veiled nature of the administration’s process. Only the College of Cardinals gets to participate in selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The cardinals meet in the famed Sistine Chapel. Under the auspices of this sacred and secretive setting, their deliberations get started. Each elector receives an official ballot card. Retouched detail, Holy See papal conclave ballot 01 It boldly proclaims “eligo in summum pontificem,” or “I elect as supreme pontiff.” This official proclamation begins the start of a careful and deliberate voting timeline. It is an epic comeback story, playing out every single day with the morning and afternoon sessions.
According to their internal election process, each candidate must achieve a two-thirds vote in order to rise to the highest seat. If zero candidates have a majority of the vote after 30 consecutive ballots, the rules are modified. Then a simple majority can elect the new pope. Every seventh ballot, the cardinals stop for a day of prayer and reflection. This practice evokes the spiritual significance of their work, lending a theological vision to their efforts.
The conclave’s decision is emphatically signaled by smoke rising from a 60-foot high chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke means that no pope was chosen. Conversely, white smoke signals to the outside world the election of a new pope. The excitement around this moment can be felt almost as much as it’s seen, as spectators wait for the news of their new pong master.
Once a pope is chosen, the dean of the cardinals steps onto the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to share the news with thousands gathered below. In this solemn moment, he proclaims,
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam.” – The dean of the cardinals
This phrase, which means “I announce to you with great joy: We have a pope,” marks a significant moment not only for the Vatican but for Catholics worldwide.
The conclave process is rich with tradition and has developed over several centuries. Lost in the smoke, in 1922, was the longest papal conclave in modern history. The cardinals took five days of prayerful deliberation before reaching consensus on their new leader. To mark this solemn occasion, each cardinal dons liturgically custom-fitted vestments. To make sure everything is ready on time, Vatican tailors prepare each of these garments in different sizes before the momentous occasion.
The conclave is still an exceedingly elite enterprise, with cardinals alone wielding the deliberative and electoral power. This tradition highlights the seriousness and sacredness of their vocation in forming the future adults of the Catholic Church.