Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church has entered a crucial phase: the process of electing a new pope. Known as the papal conclave, this sacred and historic procedure is governed by centuries of tradition and strict canonical laws. In this article, we’ll explore when the conclave will begin, who participates in it, and how the process of selecting the next pope unfolds.
What Is the Papal Conclave?
The papal conclave is the formal process through which the College of Cardinals elects a new pope, the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The term conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key” — signifying the cardinals’ seclusion in the Sistine Chapel until a decision is made.
This gathering is steeped in centuries of Catholic tradition and governed by the Apostolic Constitution. The rules were most recently clarified by Pope John Paul II and later updated by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
When Will the Papal Conclave Start?
According to Vatican protocol, the conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. This timeline allows for an official mourning period known as the Novemdiales — nine days of solemn funeral rites and prayers in honor of the deceased pontiff.
Since Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, the conclave is expected to commence between May 6 and May 11. The exact date will be confirmed by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The conclave takes place in complete secrecy within the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, which is locked down and sealed off to prevent external communication or influence.
Who Votes in the Conclave?
The papal conclave is limited to cardinals under the age of 80, in accordance with the directives issued by Pope Paul VI. These cardinals are considered the electors and are the only individuals eligible to cast a vote.
As of now, there are 135 eligible cardinal electors from a total of 252 members in the College of Cardinals. Interestingly, 108 of these electors were appointed by Pope Francis himself, highlighting his lasting influence on the future of the Church.
Each cardinal, regardless of their nationality, carries equal voting weight, and their decisions must be made based on careful discernment, prayer, and consideration of the global Church’s needs.
Where Does the Voting Take Place?
All voting is conducted in the Sistine Chapel, the iconic space renowned for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Once the conclave begins, no one is allowed to enter or leave the chapel, and all external communication is cut off.
This ensures complete confidentiality and spiritual focus. The cardinals participate in several rounds of voting daily until one candidate receives at least two-thirds majority. Voting can last as long as necessary, and ballots are burned after each round — white smoke indicates a successful election, while black smoke means no decision has been made yet.
How Long Does the Papal Conclave Usually Last?
The length of the conclave can vary. In recent history, it has typically taken only a few days. For instance:
- Pope Francis was elected in just two days in 2013.
- Pope Benedict XVI was also chosen within two days in 2005.
- The longest conclave of the 20th century occurred in 1903 and lasted five days.
Historically, however, conclaves were sometimes drawn out for months or even years. The most prolonged conclave on record lasted two years and nine months and concluded with the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271. That particular delay prompted reforms to establish the modern conclave system.
What Happens After the New Pope Is Elected?
Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes, he is asked whether he accepts the election. Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name, which carries symbolic meaning and often honors a previous pontiff or saint.
The newly elected pope is then presented to the public from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal announces: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”
A Historic Moment for the Church
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a significant era in the Catholic Church and the beginning of a pivotal chapter. As the global Catholic community mourns the passing of a beloved spiritual leader, the attention now shifts to the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect the 267th pope.
This transition is not just a religious milestone — it has geopolitical, cultural, and spiritual significance that echoes far beyond Vatican City. From the Sistine Chapel to Catholic communities around the world, all eyes will be on the conclave in the coming weeks.
