The Conclave is a term that has become very popular in recent times as more and more people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, seek to understand what it really means with regards to the imminent emergence of a new Pope.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church now prepares for a historic and solemn event—the election of a new spiritual leader through The Conclave, an ancient and deeply symbolic process held within the Vatican.
What Is The Conclave?
Now, let us take a look at what The Conclave, also known as the Papal Conclave, really means. The Conclave is derived from the Latin phrase “cum clave” meaning “with a key,” and it refers to the secretive, locked-door gathering of eligible cardinals tasked with electing a new pope.
This tradition, steeped in centuries of ritual and canon law, ensures that the selection of the pontiff remains a sacred and independent decision, free from external influence of any kind. When a Pope dies, the eligible Catholic Cardinals will come together to form the Conclave and vote to elect the next person worthy of being named the new Pope.
It is essential to understand that the new Pope will be chosen from among the cardinals participating in the Conclave. So, the cardinals all come to the Conclave knowing that any of them could end up being elected to be the new Pope.
When and Where Will The Conclave Take Place?
Since the day Pope Francis passed away, the world has collectively asked this very question as everyone eagerly waits to see who the next Pope will be. Apparently, the Conclave is one of the world’s most anticipated events at the moment.
Our findings show that the next Papal Conclave is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 7, inside the world-famous Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes. But, before the formal proceedings are kick-started, Vatican officials and conclave staff will gather on Monday, May 5, at 5:30 PM to take a solemn oath of lifelong secrecy.
This oath of secrecy is very important and will be taken very seriously. It is after this that the formal Conclave proceedings will kick-start.
After the oath-taking ceremony on May 5, a special Mass for the Election of a Pope will commence at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Basilica two days later on May 7, followed by a prayer in the Pauline Chapel. The cardinals will then proceed into the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave at 4:30 PM.
During this time, the cardinals will be donning distinct ecclesiastical garments that reflect their liturgical tradition—either Latin or Eastern Catholic.
Who is Eligible to Participate in The Conclave?
The Catholic Church has so many active Cardinals at the moment. However, not all of them are eligible to take part in the election of a new Pope. In fact, out of the Church’s 252 cardinals, only 133 are expected to participate, as eligibility is limited to those under the age of 80.
It is noteworthy that while 135 cardinals were initially eligible, two have withdrawn due to health concerns. Approximately 80% of the electors were appointed by the late pontiff, Pope Francis, reflecting the global diversity of today’s Church, with representatives from often underrepresented regions.
Each cardinal elector will wear an official Vatican-issued accreditation badge for identification during the election.
There Will Be Strict Secrecy and Vatican Security Protocols
There is no denying that secrecy is absolutely paramount during The Conclave. It is so important that a lot of strict measures are taken to maintain this secrecy while the Conclave lasts so that no one outside knows anything about what goes on inside among the cardinal electors.
In fact, during the papal election proceedings, the Cardinals are completely isolated from the outside world and will have no contact with anyone outside until the election is over with and a new pope is chosen. They will be housed in the Casa Santa Marta, a building adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and prohibited from using phones, as well as the internet, or accessing media.
This is how serious the situation is. So, any communication with the outside world by any cardinal must be justified as a matter of grave urgency and approved by a special panel of cardinals.
The Sistine Chapel itself, where the Conclave will take place, is meticulously secured to prevent surveillance or information leaks. Necessary technological measures are put in place to ensure this. Also, only cardinal electors may be present during voting sessions, though limited support staff—including doctors and clerical assistants—may enter when permitted.
The Voting Process: Smoke Signals and Sacred Rites
The voting process during the Conclave is a very serious affair and usually lasts for days. The voting takes place up to four times daily—two rounds each in the morning and afternoon—until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority (currently 89 votes). This is what is required for one to be named the new Pope.
After each ballot, votes are burned in a special stove which will release outside for people to see. Usually, during the Conclave, thousands of Catholic faithful will be gathered outside the building where the cardinals are carrying out the election, patiently waiting for news of a new Pope.
The smoke is what will signal to the people whether or not a new Pope has been elected. Black smoke signals that no decision has been reached yet, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope. Once the white smoke is seen, there will be a lot of rejoicing among the faithful gathered outside the Sistine Chapel.
For the record, if the conclave extends beyond three days without a decision, the cardinals will pause for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming.
While any Catholic male is technically eligible for election, in practice, the pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals. The cardinals who are not feeling too well and sick, are allowed to cast their votes from their rooms within Vatican grounds.
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Post-Election Ritual: A New Pope is Revealed
Once a new Pope has been elected, the Dean of the College of Cardinals will come forward and ask him two key questions: does he accept the office, and what name will he assume during his papacy?
After providing these answers, the new Pope will then withdraw to the Room of Tears, where he will don the papal vestments. The vestments are already prepared in three sizes; small, medium and large, so that the Pope can pick anyone that fits him.
Soon after, the new Pope will then step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica where thousands of people will be waiting to see him for the first time as the new Pontiff. There, a senior cardinal will declare the historic words: “Habemus Papam”—meaning “We have a pope”—to the gathered faithful and millions watching worldwide.
The new Pope will then be presented and give his first speech to the people. The Conclave remains one of the most revered traditions of the Catholic Church and it is charged with not just electing a new Pope but also balancing ancient ceremony with modern responsibility.
