How Is the Next Pope Selected
When a pope dies or steps down—events that have only happened a few times in modern history—the world turns its eyes to Vatican City. What follows is one of the most unique and tradition-rich processes in global leadership: the election of a new pope.
Here’s how it works.
The Role of the Cardinals
The responsibility of electing the new pope lies with the College of Cardinals, the body of senior Church officials appointed by the pope. Of the over 200 cardinals worldwide, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote—typically around 120 men. These “cardinal electors” are the only ones allowed into the highly secretive election process known as a conclave.
What Is a Conclave?
The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”—a reference to the fact that the cardinals are literally locked inside the Vatican during the election. The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, the same chapel famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes.
Once inside, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world. No phones, no media, and no contact with anyone beyond their ranks. The goal is to ensure the decision is made without external influence or pressure.
The Voting Process
Voting typically begins the day after the conclave starts. Each cardinal writes his choice for pope on a paper ballot, folds it, and places it in a chalice on the altar. The ballots are then counted and burned.
If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the process repeats up to four times a day—two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon.
The voting can go on for days or even weeks. However, once a cardinal receives the required majority, he is asked a simple, historic question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he accepts, he is then asked what name he will take as pope.
The Smoke Signals
The ballots are burned after each round of voting in a special stove in the Sistine Chapel. Chemicals are added to the smoke to indicate the result: black smoke means no decision has been made, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.
Once white smoke billows from the chapel’s chimney, bells ring out across St. Peter’s Basilica, and the announcement is made to the public from the balcony: “Habemus Papam”—“We have a pope.”
A Tradition Steeped in History
This process of papal election has evolved over centuries, yet remains steeped in ritual, symbolism, and spiritual gravity. It is one of the last major world events to unfold behind closed doors, driven not by politics or campaigns but by prayer, reflection, and tradition.
In a world of rapid digital decision-making, the selection of a pope remains a powerful reminder of how the Catholic Church balances ancient ceremony with the task of choosing a modern leader for over a billion followers worldwide.
