The death of a sitting pope initiates a centuries-old and deeply structured process within the Roman Catholic Church to elect a new spiritual leader. Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, attention has turned to the Vatican and the protocols that determine how his successor will be chosen.
Once a pope dies, the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, assumes administrative control of the Vatican. His first official act is to verify the pope’s death, traditionally by calling the pope by name three times without response. After this confirmation, he oversees the sealing of the papal apartments and prepares for the upcoming Conclave—the secretive process in which a new pope is elected.
The College of Cardinals, composed of all cardinals under the age of 80, is responsible for electing the new pope. Currently, 136 cardinals are eligible to vote. These men represent the Church’s leadership across the globe, and they convene in the Sistine Chapel to undertake the highly ritualized process of selection.
Before the voting begins, the cardinals attend General Congregations—meetings in which they discuss the current state of the Church and the qualities needed in a new pope. These discussions, held in strict confidentiality, are an opportunity to exchange views and build consensus. During this time, no formal campaigning is allowed, though alliances and informal assessments naturally occur.
The voting phase of the Conclave is bound by tradition and secrecy. Each day, cardinals cast ballots in up to four voting rounds. A successful candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected. After each round, ballots are burned—if no pope is chosen, the smoke is black; when one is elected, white smoke signals the announcement.
Once a cardinal reaches the required majority, he is asked the canonical question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name, and his acceptance is announced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional Latin phrase “Habemus Papam”—“We have a pope.”
The newly elected pope then emerges to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing as the Bishop of Rome and leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
While the outcome is ultimately guided by tradition and faith, the next conclave will reflect the current challenges facing the Church—including global political tensions, internal reforms, and the evolving role of the Church in modern society.
