Here Are the Important Details You Need to Know About the Conclave, the Process of Choosing the Next Pope
CONCLAVE – Here is the process on how the next Pope is chosen through the sacred process, from the voting of Cardinal Electors to the revealing of white smoke at the Vatican.
The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Catholics believe that the Pope is the living successor of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers. When a Pope passes away or steps down, the process of choosing the next leader begins.
The process is called a conclave, and it is a special, sacred event led by Cardinals of the Church.
Only Cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote in the papal election. These voting Cardinals are called Cardinal Electors. While the position of Pope is vacant, the Catholic Church is guided by the College of Cardinals.
A few days after the Pope’s passing, a special Mass called Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice is held. Then, the Cardinal Electors gather inside the Sistine Chapel. The conclave is held behind closed doors, and everyone involved promises to keep everything secret.
During the voting process, each Cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a piece of paper, folds it, and places it in a container. Voting happens up to four times a day. A candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes to be elected.
To let people know the result, the Vatican uses signal smoke. If no Pope is chosen yet, black smoke appears from the chapel’s chimney. Once a Cardinal receives enough votes, white smoke is shown, this means a new Pope has been selected.
Before the new Pope is introduced, he chooses a Papal name and changes into the traditional papal garments. Then, he steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world.
In another post, Pope Francis Funeral: the world leaders who confirmed their attendance
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away, ending his 12-year leadership. The Church now looks to the conclave to welcome the next Pope who will continue guiding millions of Catholics worldwide.