The Key to the Conclave

The election of a new pope takes place during what is known as a conclave, a term derived from the Latin cum ("with") and clavis ("key")—a reference to the centuries-old tradition of locking the cardinals in a secluded room until a successor to St. Peter is chosen. This method of papal selection began in 1274 and represents the third major stage in the historical evolution of the papal election process. Central to the conclave is the deeply held belief that the Holy Spirit guides the entire proceeding. In its most literal sense, conclave means "a room locked with a key."

Get to Know the Cardinals

College of Cardinals Report
The College of Cardinals Report is a new website that helps people learn about the Catholic Church’s cardinals—especially those who could one day be elected pope. It was launched in 2024.

The site includes:

• Detailed profiles of each cardinal
• A user-friendly table to compare cardinals' positions on various issues
• An interactive map showing where they’re from
• Tools to search and filter cardinals by different categories
• Conclave historical Resources

Conclave Sequence of Events

1. The Pope’s Death and the Vacancy of the Papacy 

When the pope dies, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning, known as the "Sede Vacante," which means “the seat is vacant.” During the time of the vacancy, the Church continues its normal functions under the direction of the Camerlengo, a senior church official who ensures the smooth functioning of the Vatican. 

2. The Role of the Cardinals 

The cardinals are the senior bishops of the Church and hold a special responsibility in choosing a new pope. The College of Cardinals, which is made up of cardinals under the age of 80, is the body that votes to elect the new pope. Currently, there are 135 cardinal electors, including Cardinal McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, and Cardinal Gregory, retired Archbishop of Washington. They are tasked with discerning God's will in choosing the next pope, who will guide the global Church. 

Note: Cardinals over the age of 80 do not participate in the voting. 

3. Preparation for the Conclave 

Before the conclave begins, the cardinals meet in a general congregation to discuss the needs of the Church and share their thoughts on the qualities they are looking for in the next pope. This is a time for them to pray and reflect on the challenges facing the Church. 

Once they are ready, the conclave begins. The cardinals take an oath of secrecy and commitment to the process, promising not to communicate with the outside world and to act with humility and reverence as they proceed to vote. 

4. The Voting Process 

The actual election of the pope is done in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. Here’s how the voting works: 

• Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate for pope on a ballot. There are usually several rounds of voting. 
• To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of votes. If no one gets that majority after several rounds of voting, the cardinals continue until a decision is made. 
• Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit guides the cardinals in their voting. It's a deeply spiritual process where the cardinals trust that God will inspire them to select the person He wants to lead the Church. 

5. Burning of the Ballots (Smoke Signal) 

After each round of voting, the ballots are burned: 

• If a pope is elected, the ballots are burned in a way that produces white smoke, which signals to the people waiting outside that a new pope has been chosen. 
•  If no pope has been elected, the ballots are burned in a way that produces black smoke, signaling to the faithful that the election is still ongoing. 

The smoke is a traditional way of communicating the result to the public.

6. The Announcement of the New Pope 

Once the election is successful, the senior cardinal deacon (a cardinal who has the duty to announce the new pope) steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and says the famous words: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”). 

The newly elected pope then steps out onto the balcony to greet the people for the first time. He will often give a simple blessing and may introduce himself with words like, "Brothers and sisters, good evening!" This moment marks the beginning of his papacy. 

7. The New Pope’s First Steps 

After being announced, the new pope will typically take the following steps: 

• The pope takes a new name upon election, often choosing one that reflects his vision for the Church or honors a particular saint or pope. 
• The pope celebrates his first Mass as pope, usually on the day after his election. This is a solemn occasion, and it marks the formal beginning of his leadership of the Catholic Church. 
• The new pope begins his work by meeting with the cardinals and bishops, addressing the global Church, and fulfilling the spiritual and administrative duties required of him. The pope also receives delegations from different parts of the world. 

8. Special Prayers and Customs 

Throughout the conclave, the cardinals pray for guidance and discernment. They also pray the Liturgy of the Hours, and sometimes the faithful around the world join in prayer for the success of the conclave and the election of a holy and wise pope. 

In Summary 

• The pope’s death creates a vacancy in the papacy (Sede Vacante). 
• The College of Cardinals gathers in the Vatican for the conclave to elect a new pope. 
• Through a series of secret votes, the cardinals choose a new pope, guided by the Holy Spirit. 
• The results are communicated through the smoke from the Sistine Chapel—white for a new pope, black for no decision. 
• The new pope is introduced to the world, marking the beginning of a new papacy. 

For Catholics, this process is a sacred moment of faith, trust in the Holy Spirit, and unity within the Church.