In an age where elections play out in real-time across social media and endless news cycles, there is still one event where time seems to stop: the papal conclave. When the need arises to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals disappears behind sealed doors under Michelangelo’s ceiling, armed with nothing but prayer, history, and ballots. What unfolds is not only a sacred process but also a deeply human and political one. Here, we take you inside the conclave—its history, its secrets, its surprises, and even its unexpected moments of humor.
What Is a Conclave and Why Does It Exist?
When most people hear the word conclave, they picture a group of elderly men in red robes disappearing behind locked doors, smoke puffing out of a chimney, and Catholics around the world holding their breath. But the origins of the papal conclave—and why the election of a Pope happens this way—are far more layered and surprisingly political.
The term conclave itself comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” That is not just poetic flourish; it reflects the original requirement that cardinals be locked in a room—literally—until they elected a new pope. This practice began in the 13th century during one of the most chaotic moments in papal history. After the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268, the cardinals dragged their feet in selecting a new leader. The seat sat empty for nearly three years while factions battled it out. The townspeople of Viterbo, Italy, where the cardinals had gathered, eventually lost their patience. First, they locked the cardinals inside the palace. Then they reduced their meals. Then they removed the roof of the building to speed things up. Unsurprisingly, a pope was elected soon after. That man was Pope Gregory X, who in 1274 formalized the conclave process at the Second Council of Lyon (Duffy, 2006).
Today, conclave remains an intensely private, spiritual, and—let’s be honest—politically strategic ritual. The secrecy is not about suppressing public opinion; rather, it reflects a theological belief that the decision to elect a pope should be guided by the Holy Spirit, not by external influence or popularity contests. A public election like those for political offices would open the Church to lobbying, corruption, and global interference, particularly now that over 1.3 billion people identify as Catholic (Pew Research, 2023).
By design, conclaves are supposed to reflect prayerful discernment and insulation from worldly distractions. In that sense, they are not anti-democratic but otherworldly. That said, politics inevitably find their way in.
Even in the early centuries of the Church, powerful families and monarchs tried to install “friendly” popes. Some were successful; others were met with resistance. Conclaves were developed as a protective mechanism—to preserve both the unity and sanctity of the papacy. Over time, rules evolved: who can vote (only cardinals under 80), where voting must take place (usually the Sistine Chapel), and what happens if a conclave drags on too long (food is progressively restricted, though no roofs are removed anymore).
The rules are laid out in apostolic constitutions, most recently in Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1996, with minor adjustments by his successors. These rules govern everything from how ballots are handled to how smoke signals are created (yes, the color of the smoke is controlled with chemical additives).
The conclave exists not because the Church fears openness, but because it insists that selecting a spiritual leader must occur through internal reflection, not public debate. Whether one views that as sacred or secretive often depends on how one views faith and institutional authority.
How Popes Are Chosen – A Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the Conclave Process
Let us say the pope has died or resigned. The media explodes, crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square, and speculation begins. But behind the Vatican walls, a very methodical—almost theatrical—sequence of events begins. And it all hinges on one goal: electing a new Bishop of Rome.
The whole process is governed by detailed rules laid out in Universi Dominici Gregis (1996), with updates by Benedict XVI and Francis. Here is how it unfolds.
Death (or Resignation) of the Pope
If the pope dies, the Camerlengo (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church) officially verifies the death. Historically, the Camerlengo tapped the pope’s forehead with a silver hammer and called his baptismal name three times. That is no longer practiced, but the Camerlengo still seals the papal apartments and begins preparations for the sede vacante period—literally, “the seat is vacant.” If a pope resigns—as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013—the process is the same, but planned.
General Congregations of Cardinals
All cardinals, regardless of age, gather in daily meetings to prepare for the conclave. These discussions involve reflections on the state of the Church and the desired qualities of a future pope. Those under 80 years of age will soon become the electors. In 2025, that will include approximately 120 cardinals.
Entry into Conclave (The March to the Sistine Chapel)
When the time comes, the electors file into the Sistine Chapel while singing the Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come, Holy Spirit”), invoking divine guidance. Once inside, the doors are locked. Literally. No phones, no email, no assistants, no interviews. The phrase Extra omnes! (“Everyone out!”) is shouted, and the chamber is sealed.
The Oath
Before the voting begins, each cardinal takes the following oath:
Latin:
Et ego N., Cardinalis N., promitto, voveo et iuro… me servaturum esse secretum de omnibus quae ad electionem Summi Pontificis pertinent…
English:
And I, N. Cardinal N., promise, vow, and swear… to observe absolute secrecy with regard to everything that in any way pertains to the election of the Supreme Pontiff…
Spanish:
Y yo, N., Cardenal N., prometo, voto y juro… guardar absoluto secreto respecto a todo lo que de cualquier modo se refiere a la elección del Sumo Pontífice…
Each cardinal approaches the Gospel, places his hand upon it, and recites the oath aloud.
Voting Begins
Each day includes up to four votes. Cardinals write the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot reading: Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). The ballots are folded and slid into a chalice. After voting, ballots are pierced, bundled, and burned to create colored smoke—black for no decision, white for a successful election.
The Magic Number
To win, a candidate must achieve a two-thirds majority.
Habemus Papam
When elected, the new pope accepts, chooses a name, dresses in white, and is introduced to the world from the balcony with the words: Habemus Papam! (“We have a Pope!”).
Surprise Outcomes from Conclaves Past
You might think that a conclave, with all its solemn ritual, would be predictably reverent and uneventful. Think again. History is littered with papal elections that surprised, shocked, and even scandalized the Catholic world. From unexpected candidates to last-minute backroom deals, the conclave has repeatedly proven that anything can happen when you lock powerful men in a room and tell them they cannot leave until they agree.
Pope John XXIII: The “Caretaker” Who Changed Everything
When Cardinal Angelo Roncalli was elected in 1958, most observers (and many cardinals) saw him as a temporary placeholder. At 76, he was elderly by papal standards and seen as someone who would keep the boat steady until a more “modern” candidate could take over. Joke was on them. Roncalli became Pope John XXIII and called the Second Vatican Council, a global Church assembly that revolutionized liturgy, Church authority, and relationships with other faiths (O’Malley, 2008). He was the accidental revolutionary—perhaps the most impactful “surprise” in modern Church history.
Pope John Paul II: The Polish Earthquake
The 1978 conclave had already shocked the world once—when it elected Pope John Paul I after just four ballots. But then he died only 33 days later, sending the cardinals back into conclave that October. Few expected them to look beyond Italy. After all, every pope since 1523 had been Italian. But in a move that stunned the world, they chose a Polish cardinal, Karol Wojtyła. Not only was he the first non-Italian in more than 450 years, but he was also a vigorous anti-Communist who brought global charisma and intellectual gravitas to the papacy. John Paul II went on to become one of the most recognized world leaders of the 20th century, playing a critical role in the fall of Communism and expanding the Church’s global reach.
Pope Francis: The Jesuit Surprise
In 2013, following the historic resignation of Benedict XVI, the cardinals again shocked expectations. Many believed an Italian or European would return to the papacy. Instead, they chose Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina. He became not only the first pope from the Americas, but also the first Jesuit pope and the first to take the name Francis. Jesuits historically avoided high Church office, and Francis’s simple style (riding the bus, paying his own hotel bill) immediately signaled change. What followed was a papacy focused on humility, climate change, poverty, and reform—deeply reshaping how many view the Church’s role in the 21st century.
Black Smoke, White Smoke. . .and Chemical Confusion
In 2005, following the death of John Paul II, early smoke signals caused mass confusion. The smoke was supposed to be black—signaling no decision. But it came out grayish-white. Some reporters declared Habemus Papam! before realizing the smoke mix had not yet been perfected. This led the Vatican to start using chemical additives to create unmistakable colors—white with potassium perchlorate, lactose, and rosin; black with potassium nitrate and sulfur.
The “Almost Popes”
Every conclave has its nearly-made-it candidates. In 1978, Cardinal Giuseppe Siri of Genoa was rumored to be the conservative frontrunner but may have been blocked by opposition from progressives. In 2013, Cardinal Scola of Milan was expected to dominate, but internal coalitions shifted toward Bergoglio after early ballots stalled. The lesson? Never assume. The Holy Spirit—and political savvy—can change everything overnight.
Politics Behind Closed Doors – How Political Is the Conclave, Really?
Let us be blunt: the papal conclave is political. Deeply so. That might sound odd given all the incense and chanting, but for all the sacred framing, the conclave is also one of the oldest continuing political elections on Earth. The stakes are enormous, the voters are power players, and the maneuvering is very real.
Holy Spirit or Holy Strategy?
Many Catholics describe the conclave as guided by the Holy Spirit, and indeed, that is the theological belief behind the ritual. But Church leaders themselves—past and present—have acknowledged that the Spirit works through human decision-making. Pope Benedict XVI once quipped, “The Holy Spirit does not dictate the candidate… but leaves much room for human freedom” (Allen, 2012). That room, it turns out, is often filled with behind-the-scenes strategy, ideological divisions, and backdoor brokering.
Geopolitical Balance
One of the most visible dynamics in any conclave is the push and pull between regional blocs. European cardinals—particularly Italians—once dominated, but the College of Cardinals has diversified dramatically in recent decades. African, Asian, and Latin American cardinals now comprise a sizable minority, and their voices have grown stronger. Each brings regional concerns, theological emphases, and pastoral priorities.
In 2013, that geopolitical shift helped propel Jorge Mario Bergoglio—an outsider from Argentina—to victory. Many cardinals reportedly felt that it was “time” for a pope from the Global South, where the Church is growing rapidly. His election also reflected frustration with Vatican bureaucracy (the curia), which many non-European cardinals view as overly Eurocentric and opaque.
Ideological Factions
The College of Cardinals is not a monolith. Think of it like a Senate made up of bishops—except they wear scarlet robes and hold prayer retreats instead of fundraisers. Some cardinals are theological conservatives, emphasizing doctrinal purity and strict liturgical observance. Others are more pastoral and reform-oriented, pushing for greater inclusion, decentralization, and cultural adaptation.
In recent conclaves, these factions have jockeyed for influence. Pope Benedict XVI’s election in 2005 was largely seen as a victory for traditionalists. By contrast, Pope Francis’s rise in 2013 represented a shift toward reform and pastoral flexibility. The debates during the pre-conclave meetings—the general congregations—often set the stage for what happens once the Sistine Chapel doors close.
Whispers, Notes, and “Anti-Campaigning”
Cardinals are officially forbidden from making campaign speeches or promoting themselves for election. But let us not pretend that no lobbying happens. Supporters of potential candidates might quietly speak to other electors, highlighting their candidate’s theological clarity, leadership style, or language fluency. Alliances are formed. Promises are made. Notes are passed—carefully.
The “Kingmakers”
Not every cardinal expects—or wants—to be pope. Some play the role of “kingmaker.” These are often older, well-respected figures who help broker consensus or shift momentum. Their behind-the-scenes influence can be pivotal.
Secrecy ≠ Silence
Despite the conclave’s strict confidentiality rules, leaks do happen. After the 2013 conclave, some cardinals privately confirmed that Bergoglio had received strong support by the second or third ballot and quickly emerged as the frontrunner. These retrospectives are often shared years later in books, memoirs, or interviews, usually couched in vague language to avoid canonical punishment.
World Pressure, Internal Firewall
The modern conclave unfolds in the global spotlight. Every move is scrutinized by media, Vatican analysts, and lay Catholics hoping for change or continuity. But inside the conclave, cardinals are isolated. No tweets, no press releases. The idea is to insulate discernment from PR pressure. Still, cardinals are well aware of how their choices will be interpreted worldwide—especially on hot-button issues like abuse reform, LGBTQ+ inclusion, or Vatican finances.
In short, the conclave is sacred, yes. But it is also shrewd, strategic, and highly political. Faith and power are not opposites in this context—they are interwoven.
Longest, Shortest, and Strangest – Conclave Extremes and Oddities
If you think modern conclaves are stressful, imagine being locked in a cold palace for nearly three years with 20 cranky cardinals and no Netflix. Conclaves have ranged from absurdly fast to mind-numbingly long. Some featured acts of divine inspiration. Others involved roofs being ripped off and diets being forcibly altered. This is the conclave at its most extreme.
Longest Conclave in History: 1268–1271
Clocking in at a record 33 months, the conclave after Pope Clement IV’s death holds the distinction for the longest in papal history. It took place in Viterbo, Italy—a small town that probably regretted ever hosting it. The cardinals were so divided that for nearly three years, they failed to elect a successor. The people of Viterbo were not amused. They locked the cardinals in and even reduced their rations to bread and water. When that did not work, they literally removed the roof of the building to expose the cardinals to the elements. The strategy? If hunger did not inspire divine intervention, maybe cold rain would. It worked. In 1271, the cardinals elected Pope Gregory X, who immediately issued reforms that formalized the conclave process to prevent such insanity from ever happening again (Duffy, 2006).
Shortest Conclave: 1503 – Mere Hours
Sometimes, consensus comes quickly. In October 1503, after the death of Pope Pius III (who had only served for 26 days), the conclave moved at lightning speed. The cardinals elected Giuliano della Rovere—better known as Pope Julius II—in less than ten hours. He had been the obvious favorite, and there was no need for prolonged drama. His papacy would later be marked by monumental projects, including commissioning Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling. So yes, conclave efficiency can lead to artistic glory.
Funniest Plot Twist: A Cardinal Too Honest
In the 1903 conclave, Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph attempted to exercise a centuries-old veto (jus exclusivae) to block the front-runner, Cardinal Mariano Rampolla. The veto was delivered through a fellow cardinal—but here’s the kicker: instead of just ignoring the veto (as others had done), Cardinal Jan Puzyna of Poland actually stood up and read it aloud. The room was stunned. While the veto technically succeeded in derailing Rampolla’s chances, the backlash was swift. The cardinals elected Giuseppe Sarto, who became Pope Pius X. One of his first acts? Banning any future interference from secular leaders in papal elections (Hebblethwaite, 1993).
Strange but True: The Stove That Would Not Work
In the 2005 conclave, things went smoothly—until it was time to burn the ballots. During one round, the stove failed to produce clear black or white smoke, creating an ambiguous gray puff. Media outlets were caught off guard, pilgrims started cheering, and Vatican spokesmen scrambled. It was a public reminder that even the most ancient of rituals can be derailed by hardware issues. Since then, the Vatican has added chemical coloring to ensure no more “smoke confusion” mishaps.
The Papal Tailor’s Dilemma
When a new pope is elected, he has to appear on the balcony within an hour or two. So, three white cassocks—small, medium, and large—are always pre-made and waiting in the “Room of Tears,” just off the Sistine Chapel. There is always the chance that none will fit, which has happened more than once. Rumor has it that Pope John XXIII split the seams on his first try.
Myths and Misunderstandings About the Conclave
For an event rooted in centuries-old ritual and cloaked in total secrecy, the papal conclave is naturally a breeding ground for myths. Hollywood embellishments, armchair theologians, and straight-up historical confusion have all contributed to a list of persistent misunderstandings that refuse to die. So let us set the record straight—one myth at a time.
Myth 1: The Holy Spirit Picks the Pope Directly
This is more nuanced than it sounds. Yes, Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit guides the conclave, but the process is not divinely automated. The Spirit does not descend like a lightning bolt to strike a particular candidate’s head. As Pope Benedict XVI noted, “the Holy Spirit does not dictate the candidate for whom one must vote.” Instead, He works through the deliberation, conscience, and prayer of the cardinals—who are very much still human and capable of being wrong (Allen, 2012).
Myth 2: Smoke Comes from Burning Wet Straw or Old Shoes
Persistent legend says that black smoke is created by burning wet straw or even old shoes. Sounds like a campfire in a church. But the truth is more controlled—and less smelly. Since 2005, the Vatican has used chemical additives to produce black or white smoke. For white smoke (announcing a new pope), a mixture of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin is used. For black smoke, potassium nitrate and anthracene are burned. So no, they are not torching sandals.
Myth 3: The Pope Must Be a Cardinal
Technically, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope. In theory, that means your local priest—or even your devout neighbor—could be chosen. In practice, though, it has not happened in over 600 years. Since the 15th century, only cardinals have been elected. The last non-cardinal pope was Urban VI in 1378. If a non-bishop were chosen, he would have to be ordained as a bishop immediately before taking office.
Myth 4: Conclaves Always Last for Weeks
Given the historical record (see Section 5), you might expect a papal election to take a long time. But most modern conclaves move quickly. The 2005 conclave that elected Benedict XVI lasted only two days. The 2013 conclave that produced Pope Francis also took just two days. Cardinals are older, travel faster, and—often—more prepared to make quick decisions due to pre-conclave networking.
Myth 5: Cardinals Are Completely Secluded
Mostly true—but not entirely. Yes, the electors are confined to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican guesthouse (Domus Sanctae Marthae). They are forbidden from using phones, internet, or communicating with the outside world. But they are allowed access to chapels, meals, and minimal recreation under supervision. Think monastic retreat meets spiritual boot camp—not solitary confinement.
Myth 6: The Room of Tears Is for Mourning
When a new pope is elected, he retreats briefly to the Room of Tears, adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. The name conjures up images of weeping over divine responsibility. While some popes have indeed cried, the name likely stems from the shock and emotional gravity of the moment. Plus, it is where the papal garments are waiting—and let us be honest, wrestling into papal robes under pressure could make anyone shed a tear.
The Oath – Sacred Promises in Three Languages
Before the cardinals ever cast a vote, before smoke rises from any chimney, they each take a solemn oath. This oath is not ceremonial fluff. It is a deeply binding spiritual and moral contract—a promise to God, to the Church, and to one another. It represents the seriousness of the conclave and the weight of what is about to happen: selecting the next spiritual leader for more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
Each elector recites the oath aloud inside the Sistine Chapel. He places his hand on the Gospel and swears to uphold secrecy and integrity throughout the entire conclave. The formula is ancient, precise, and delivered in Latin—but we will present it here in Latin, English, and Spanish so that the gravity of the words is accessible to all.
Latin (Original Text)
Et ego N., Cardinalis N., promitto, voveo et iuro tecum simul ac universis hisce Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalibus electoribus, qui in hoc sacro conclavi adsunt, me servaturum esse secretum de omnibus quae in quovis modo pertineant ad electionem Romani Pontificis, nec non de iis quae communi consilio et suffragiis fieri aut dici contigerint intra sacrum conclave super electione Romani Pontificis aut postea extra conclave inter ipsos Cardinales: promittens etiam se fideliter et diligenter omnes normas custoditurum esse quae continentur in Constitutione Apostolica Universi Dominici Gregis huiusmodi electioni praescribente. Ita me Deus adiuvet et haec sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manibus meis tango.
English Translation
And I, N., Cardinal N., promise, vow, and swear, along with all of you my fellow Cardinals here present, to observe with the greatest fidelity and secrecy all matters that in any way relate to the election of the Roman Pontiff. I swear not to break this secret in any way, neither during nor after the conclave, and not to divulge anything that might be said or done concerning the election of the Roman Pontiff. I also promise faithfully and carefully to uphold all the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, governing this election. So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.
This oath is a kind of firewall. It protects the spiritual discernment process from political interference, media leaks, and public manipulation. Breaking it is not just frowned upon—it results in latae sententiae excommunication, meaning it is automatic and immediate, with no trial or appeals necessary.
The moment each cardinal steps forward to take this oath, the weight of centuries presses down. It is one of the most solemn moments in the life of any Church leader.
Things That Make Us Laugh About the Conclave (Without Losing Reverence)
Let us be real for a moment—just because something is sacred does not mean it is humorless. Even the most solemn rituals are carried out by humans. And when humans are under pressure, wearing long robes, sleep-deprived, and locked in a room with 100 other opinionated men, funny things happen. So yes, even the papal conclave has its moments of unintentional comedy. These are not jokes told at the Church’s expense, but rather light-hearted reminders that God works through very human hands.
“Extra Omnes!” Drama
The official start of the conclave is marked by the command Extra omnes! (“Everyone out!”). It is bellowed loudly, usually by the Master of Ceremonies. Every time it is shouted, there is at least one cardinal who jumps. Or who forgot something. Or who tries to leave the wrong way. Think of it like the start of a big school exam—some people panic, some try to make a last-minute run to the restroom, and some just stare blankly as the doors close.
The Three Sizes of Papal Robes
No one knows who the next pope will be, but someone better hope he fits into one of the three sizes of cassocks prepared in advance: small, medium, and large. When Pope John XXIII was elected, he barely squeezed into the largest cassock. The buttons popped. Literally. The Vatican tailors now carry emergency thread. Some say a tailor once muttered, “Habemus problema” before sewing on the fly.
White Smoke That Was Not
Before the Vatican started using chemical additives to make smoke colors more distinct, confusion reigned. During the 1958 and 2005 conclaves, the initial smoke signals were grayish. Pilgrims in the square erupted in cheers, thinking a new pope had been chosen—only to be let down minutes later. One Vatican journalist was overheard muttering, “This is why we do not trust smoke for anything but barbecues.”
The Room of Tears
The first time many people hear the term Room of Tears, they imagine something deeply spiritual or cinematic. And it is—but also, it is a wardrobe room. New popes sometimes cry there. But often, it is also a room of nervous laughter, “oh God, what now?” sighs, and a wardrobe assistant poking their head in saying, “You need the large, don’t you?”
The Ballot Piercing Tradition
After each vote, the ballots are pierced with a needle and thread to keep them together before being burned. One cardinal once joked (off the record), “This is the closest we get to sewing during a revolution.” You have to admire the Church’s ability to turn even sewing thread into sacramental symbolism.
“Conclave Camp” Mentality
Conclave means sleeping in assigned rooms at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, away from family, staff, or cellphones. More than one cardinal has compared the experience to “Catholic summer camp for old men.” There are jokes about snoring, people stealing each other’s slippers, and waking up with hymnals instead of alarm clocks. It is reverent—but it is also real life.
Wrapping It Up!
The papal conclave is one of the most mysterious, tightly choreographed, and yet remarkably human processes still functioning today. It is a ritual that embodies 2,000 years of history while somehow managing to remain relevant in a media-saturated, hyper-connected world. It blends spiritual discernment with political calculation, silence with symbolism, and prayer with procedural rigor.
Despite being cloaked in secrecy, conclaves have always reflected the needs and fractures of the Church—and, by extension, the world. Some popes are elected as bold reformers. Others as protectors of tradition. Some are global outsiders. Others are insiders seen as “safe hands.” But in every case, the men who gather under Michelangelo’s ceiling do so with a charge that is profoundly spiritual and deeply consequential.
Conclaves remind us of several key truths. First, faith is not the absence of conflict but a commitment to truth in the midst of it. Cardinals often disagree sharply—and still walk out of the Sistine Chapel united under one spiritual father. Second, tradition can be both a weight and a compass. The rituals that frame the conclave are not just empty pageantry; they are anchors in a Church that must evolve while staying rooted. Third, despite centuries of change, the human element persists—confusion, humor, emotion, rivalry, surprise.
The election of a pope is not just the Church choosing a leader. It is the Church reflecting on who it is—and who it hopes to become. Whether the next pope is young or old, conservative or progressive, from Europe or the Global South, his selection will say something about the priorities of today’s Catholic Church.
For outsiders, the conclave may seem archaic, even bizarre. But for those who watch with both faith and curiosity, it is an echo of a belief that leadership can still be about more than popularity or polls. It is a quiet vote cast behind closed doors, heard by billions across the world. And yes, it still involves smoke signals. Even in 2025.
