CV NEWS FEED // As the Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis, attention turns to the solemn and sacred task that lies ahead: the selection of his successor.
That process is called the conclave — an ancient method of discernment that has changed little over the past 800 years. It begins in earnest once the seat of Peter is vacant, whether by death or resignation.
The name “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key” — a reference to the tradition of locking the doors during the voting process.
The period following a pope’s death is marked by prayer, reflection, and careful preparation. The day-to-day governance of the Church passes temporarily to the College of Cardinals, who gather in Rome for a series of meetings known as general congregations. In these sessions, the cardinals discuss the pastoral and global needs of the Church, make logistical arrangements, and prepare for the election of the new pope.
During this interim period, the camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church plays a crucial role in managing the Church’s temporal affairs. That responsibility now falls to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a Dublin native appointed to the role by Pope Francis in 2019. As Camerlengo, he is charged with verifying the pope’s death, securing the papal apartments, and managing Vatican operations until a new pontiff is selected.
Cardinal Farrell, who previously served as bishop of Dallas, Texas, will also serve as a voting member in the upcoming conclave.
The conclave itself is the formal election process. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and their number is capped at 120. Though, in theory, any baptized Catholic male could be elected, for many centuries popes have been chosen exclusively from among the cardinals. The last time a non-cardinal was elected pope was in 1378, when Bartolomeo Prignano was elected Pope Urban VI.
Before the conclave begins, the cardinals celebrate Mass together, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They then process into the Sistine Chapel, where the papal conclave has been held since 1858.
Once inside, they swear an oath of secrecy — any violation of which carries the penalty of excommunication.
Then comes the solemn moment when the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations announces “Extra omnes” — “Everyone out” — signaling that all non-essential personnel must leave. With the doors sealed, the cardinal electors begin the election in complete isolation from the outside world.
The rule of complete isolation applies not only during the sessions at the Sistine Chapel but all along their stay. No electronic devices are allowed and al communications with the outside world of any kind, especially news, are blocked.
Voting is conducted by secret ballot, with up to four rounds each day. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate and places the ballot at the altar. Nine cardinals, selected by lot, oversee the process — three to collect the votes, three to count, and three to verify the votes.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. After the 33rd ballot, if no candidate has secured the necessary two-thirds majority, the cardinal electors limit the voting to the two individuals who received the highest number of votes in the previous ballot.
After each pair of ballots — once in the morning and once in the afternoon — the ballots are burned in a stove within the Sistine Chapel. If no pope has been elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke, signaling to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square that the Church continues to wait. When a candidate finally receives the required votes and accepts the office, the ballots are burned with a different mixture, producing white smoke — announcing to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
When not voting, the cardinals remain confined to the Apostolic Palace for the entire duration of the conclave.
One of the most drawn-out papal elections in Church history took place in the late 13th century, stretching nearly three years due to intense political divisions. The conclave dragged on so long that three of the cardinal electors died before a pope was finally chosen.
To avoid such stalemate, the Church instituted the strict conclave rules still in use today, including secluding the cardinals and requiring a two-thirds majority.
After the decision is made, the elected cardinal is asked if he accepts and if so, then required to choose a papal name. This choice is deeply symbolic, often reflecting the virtues, mission, or legacy the new pontiff hopes to embody. Some draw inspiration from beloved predecessors — like John Paul or Benedict — while others choose names that honor saints whose witness shaped their vocation. The selection often offers the first glimpse into the heart and priorities of the new Holy Father.
It has become an unspoken tradition that no pope selects the name Peter, out of respect for the unique and unrepeatable role of the Apostle whom Christ Himself named the Church’s first shepherd.
After selecting his name, the new pope is led to a nearby chamber known as the “Room of Tears,” where he is vested in white papal robes and red slippers. The room’s name reflects the overwhelming emotion many popes have experienced in realizing the magnitude of their call to succeed St. Peter.
Shortly afterward, the newly elected pope appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The senior cardinal deacon steps forward and declares: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” — “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!” The new Holy Father then offers his first apostolic blessing, urbi et orbi, to the city of Rome and to the world.
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