A Brief History

Originally, the Pope was chosen by the senior clergy of Rome. In 1059, this responsibility was restricted to the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. Today, only Cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of a papal vacancy are eligible to vote.

Since the Pope is also the Bishop of Rome, only someone eligible to be ordained a bishop can be elected. Technically, this means any baptized Catholic male could be chosen. (Fun fact: Pope Leo X was elected in 1513 before he was even a priest!) While in early centuries, Popes could be elected by acclamation or voice vote, this method fell out of use after 1621. Pope John Paul II formally abolished it, requiring a secret ballot of the College of Cardinals.

The Conclave

The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel during a private assembly called a Conclave—from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” The Cardinals are literally locked in until a new Pope is chosen.

On the first morning of the Conclave, the Cardinal Electors celebrate a special Mass for the Election of a Pope. That afternoon, they process into the Sistine Chapel, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and taking a solemn oath to follow the rules of the election, maintain secrecy, and avoid any outside influence.

Once all have sworn the oath, the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies—who is not a voting Cardinal—declares “Extra omnes” (“Everyone out”), and all non-electors exit, including himself. Voting then begins.

Only one ballot is cast on the first day. On subsequent days, up to four ballots may be held—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

The Voting Process

Before the first ballot, nine Cardinals are randomly selected to manage the process:

  • Three collect ballots from any infirm Cardinals still residing at the Vatican;

  • Three count the votes;

  • Three review the results for accuracy.

Each Cardinal receives a ballot inscribed with “I elect as Supreme Pontiff.” After writing a name, he folds it, approaches the altar, and places it in a special urn. The ballots are then counted, pierced with a needle, and threaded together to ensure integrity. A two-thirds majority is required for a valid election.

Pope Francis received at least 77 of the 115 votes on the fifth ballot, during the second day of voting.

Smoke Signals

If no candidate reaches the required majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical that produces black smoke—fumata nera—signaling no decision. When a new Pope is elected, the ballots are burned alone, releasing white smoke—fumata bianca—to announce to the world: Habemus Papam—we have a Pope.

The Acceptance

The Dean of the College of Cardinals then asks the newly elected Pope, “Do you freely accept your election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he responds “Accepto”, his papacy begins immediately. He is then asked, “By what name shall you be called?”

After choosing his papal name, the new Pope dons the papal vestments, receives the Fisherman’s Ring—a traditional symbol of the Papacy—and is greeted by each Cardinal, who pledges obedience and support.

Finally, the senior Cardinal steps out onto the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and declares the joyful words:

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum! Habemus Papam!”
“I announce to you a great joy! We have a Pope!”

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