How Do They Choose a New Pope?
Choosing a new pope is an ancient and highly symbolic process steeped in tradition, secrecy, and solemnity. The papal election, known as a conclave, is one of the most fascinating religious and cultural rituals in the world, capturing global attention every time it occurs.
What Triggers a Papal Election?
A conclave is convened following the death or resignation of a pope. While papal resignations are extremely rare—most recently exemplified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2013—historically, the conclave usually begins after the pope's death, followed by a period of mourning lasting nine days, known as "novendiales."
Who Chooses the New Pope?
The responsibility for electing a new pope falls to the College of Cardinals, a body composed exclusively of cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the conclave starts. Typically numbering around 120, these cardinal electors gather from around the world at the Vatican. Their diverse backgrounds reflect the global nature of the Catholic Church and bring varied perspectives to the election process.
The Process: Entering the Conclave
Once the mourning period concludes, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City, where the conclave officially begins. The term "conclave" comes from Latin, "cum clave," meaning "with a key," highlighting the secretive nature of the process. During the conclave, cardinal electors remain isolated, with strict confidentiality enforced. Electronic communication is prohibited, and cardinals stay within specially prepared quarters inside Vatican City until a pope is elected.
Voting Rituals
Voting takes place under Michelangelo's iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals cast secret ballots twice each morning and afternoon. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot, folds it twice, and individually places it into a chalice. Votes are then counted publicly within the conclave. To elect a pope, a candidate must achieve a two-thirds majority.
If no candidate reaches the required majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce black smoke, signaling to the outside world that no pope has been chosen yet. The conclave continues voting in this manner until consensus is reached.
Symbolism: White Smoke and the Announcement
When a candidate finally obtains the necessary two-thirds majority, ballots are burned with chemicals producing distinctive white smoke from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the waiting crowds in St. Peter's Square—and to billions watching worldwide—that a new pope has been elected. Shortly afterward, the senior cardinal deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!") and reveal the new pope's chosen papal name.
Accepting the Papacy and Public Presentation
Before the public announcement, the elected cardinal must formally accept the election and choose a new papal name, often reflecting spiritual ideals, predecessors, or personal devotion. After accepting, he dons papal vestments and meets briefly with his fellow cardinals. Finally, he makes his first appearance before the public, delivering his inaugural blessing (Urbi et Orbi, "to the city and the world").
Historical and Cultural Significance
The conclave remains central to the Catholic Church’s continuity and identity. Each election reflects shifts in global religious and cultural landscapes, and the pope selected profoundly influences the direction of Catholicism and its role on the world stage. From traditions established centuries ago to modern-day rituals broadcast worldwide, the election of a new pope remains a compelling blend of the sacred and symbolic, uniting tradition with contemporary significance.
