How Is the Pope Elected? A Complete Guide to Understanding the Papal Conclave
Introduction
How is the pope elected? It’s a question that intrigues many, believers and non-believers alike. The election of the pope — the leader of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State — follows a highly codified process, both solemn and mysterious. In this article, we walk you through each step of the election, known as the conclave.
What Is a Conclave?
The term “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” It refers to the secret meeting of cardinal electors held in a locked location — the Sistine Chapel — until a new pope is chosen.
The conclave is convened after the death or resignation of a reigning pope. It’s a unique event, where tradition, faith, and ecclesiastical politics converge.
Who Elects the Pope?
The pope is elected by cardinals of the Catholic Church who are under the age of 80. Usually, there are between 100 and 120 eligible electors.
These cardinals come from all over the world and are often prominent figures in the Church — typically archbishops or former officials of the Roman Curia.
The Stages of the Papal Election
1. The Vacant Apostolic See
When the pope dies or resigns (as Benedict XVI did in 2013), the Holy See becomes vacant. The Dean of the College of Cardinals then summons the electors to Rome.
2. General Congregations
Before the conclave begins, the cardinals meet in general congregations to discuss the state of the Church, its future challenges, and the desired profile of the next pope.
3. Entering the Conclave
The cardinal electors process into the Sistine Chapel. After taking an oath of secrecy, the doors are locked. The conclave officially begins.
📌 From this moment on, no contact with the outside world is allowed: no phones, no internet, no media.
4. The Voting Process
Each day, up to four ballots may be held — two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot and places it in a designated urn.
To be elected, a candidate must receive a qualified two-thirds majority of the votes.
5. Black or White Smoke
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned. The resulting smoke signals the outcome to the outside world:
Black smoke: No pope has been elected.
White smoke: A new pope has been chosen!
6. Acceptance by the Elected Pope
Once a candidate receives the required majority, the Dean asks whether he accepts the role. If he accepts, he chooses his papal name. He then becomes the new pope.
"Habemus Papam": The Announcement to the World
Shortly after the election, the cardinal protodeacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the famous words:
“Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
The new pontiff then steps forward to greet the faithful and gives his first blessing.
Key Takeaways
The pope is elected during a conclave by cardinals under the age of 80.
The election takes place behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.
White smoke signals that a pope has been chosen.
Conclusion
The election of a pope is a singular event, combining spiritual weight with centuries-old tradition. Though ancient in form, the ritual continues to captivate the world with its symbolism and significance. Now that you know how the pope is elected, you can better appreciate the uniqueness of this sacred process.
