A new Pope will soon be chosen. But unlike political elections, the process is entirely secret. Known as the Conclave, this event is one of the most private decisions in the world. The word “conclave” comes from Latin and means “with a key,” because the voters are locked away. Only 138 cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. They will gather inside the Vatican, separated from the outside world. This tradition has lasted for centuries and follows strict rules. No phones, no messages, and no press are allowed. Even the smallest leak can lead to excommunication. The Vatican begins legendary steps for secrecy during this time.
Cardinals Will Stay Inside the Vatican at St. Martha’s House
All voting cardinals will stay inside the Vatican at a guesthouse called St. Martha’s House. There, they will have access to simple rooms, cooked meals, and two doctors on standby. One of the doctors is a surgeon. This is important since many cardinals are elderly. The guesthouse provides comfort, but not luxury. Cardinals will walk daily to the Sistine Chapel to vote. They will wear traditional blue cassocks and red sashes. While there, they will have no access to newspapers, television, or internet. They must stay fully focused on the task of selecting the next Pope. This begins legendary deliberations within the Vatican.
The Conclave Only Begins After Mourning the Late Pope
The process does not begin immediately after the Pope dies. First, the Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, officially declares the Pope’s death. He does this in the presence of top church officials. Then, the Catholic Church holds nine days of mourning. During this time, the late Pope’s body lies in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica. People come to pay their respects. After these nine days, the Church waits a few more days to allow cardinals from around the world to arrive in Rome. Only after at least 15 days will the Conclave begin. The delay ensures that every eligible voter is present. As the Vatican begins, legendary allows time for a thorough and respectful process.
Voting in the Sistine Chapel Follows Strict Traditions
Voting takes place inside the famous Sistine Chapel. The setting is sacred and silent. Cardinals fill in a paper ballot, writing the name of their chosen candidate. They walk to the altar and place the ballot in a special urn. Three scrutineers then count the votes. If no one receives two-thirds of the votes, the process repeats. All ballots and any notes are burned afterward. This helps keep the process confidential. Cardinals vote twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon starting on the second day. If three days pass with no result, they take a day off for prayer. Then they continue. This pattern repeats until someone reaches the needed number of votes as the Vatican begins. Legendary insights and prayers guide their decision.
White Smoke Means a New Pope, Black Smoke Means No Decision
The outcome of each vote is revealed through smoke from the chapel’s chimney. Black smoke means the cardinals have not reached a decision. White smoke signals that a new Pope has been chosen. This tradition is simple but not always reliable. In 1958, Vatican Radio mistakenly announced a new Pope too early. They misread the smoke color. Today, the process is more careful, but still very private. The Church does not reveal who was considered or how close any candidate came. Only the result is shared with the world.
A New Pope Can Be Chosen Quickly or After Many Days
The length of a Conclave can vary. The longest in history lasted 34 months, from 1268 to 1271. In modern times, things move faster. Pope Pius XI was elected in 1922 after five days and 14 votes. Pope Francis, the current Pope, was elected in just two days in 2013. There is no fixed number of votes. If no one reaches a two-thirds majority, the process continues until they do. In some cases, the cardinals may narrow it down to two top candidates. Then, a simple majority may decide the final vote. As the Vatican begins, legendary perseverance often guides this long, historic process.
Cardinals Cannot Make Deals or Share Information
The rules are very strict. Cardinals must not make deals with each other. They cannot promise votes or form alliances. If anyone breaks these rules, they face excommunication. They also cannot communicate with the outside world during the Conclave. This includes emails, calls, and media interviews. Films like Conclave show some drama and bending of rules. But in reality, any breach of secrecy is a serious crime inside the Church. The movie also shows scenes that would never happen, like officials gathering around the Pope’s body in pajamas. The real rituals are solemn and carefully followed.
The Next Pope Could Come From Anywhere in the World
The cardinals can choose any baptized Catholic man. But in reality, they always choose one of their own. The 138 voting cardinals come from many countries. So, the next Pope could be African, Asian, European, or Latin American. This wide choice reflects the global reach of the Church. Each vote is guided by prayer, discussion, and careful thought. No one knows how long it will take. But once the white smoke rises, the world will meet its new spiritual leader.