Papal conclave
Papal conclave (from Latin conclave, meaning "room that can be locked with a key") is the gathering of the College of Cardinals to elect a new Bishop of Rome, who becomes the Pope and successor of Saint Peter. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City following the vacancy of the Apostolic See, which occurs upon the death or valid resignation of the reigning pope. The process emphasizes prayer, discernment, and strict secrecy to ensure freedom from external influences.[1]
The current norms are governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (1996) of Pope John Paul II, with amendments by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 2013. Only cardinals under the age of 80 on the day the see becomes vacant (cardinal electors) may vote, and election requires a two-thirds majority. The successful candidate, upon acceptance, immediately becomes pope if he is already a bishop, chooses a papal name, and is announced to the world with the words Habemus Papam from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. The election is signaled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney.[1]
As of December 2025, the most recent conclave was held from 7 to 8 May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025. It was the largest in history, with 133 cardinal electors participating. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., was elected on the fourth ballot and took the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first pope born in the United States.[2][3]
History
The election of the Bishop of Rome traces its origins to the early Church, where the clergy and people of Rome acclaimed their bishop, often with involvement from neighboring bishops. By the third century, the process involved clerical election with lay ratification. Over time, external influences, including imperial interference, affected papal elections.[4]
In 1059, Pope Nicholas II's decree In nomine Domini restricted election to the cardinal bishops, with approval by other clergy and laity. The Third Lateran Council (1179) required a two-thirds majority. Prolonged vacancies and external pressures led to the formal institution of the conclave by Pope Gregory X in 1274 through the constitution Ubi periculum, mandating seclusion of cardinals to hasten decisions after a nearly three-year vacancy (1268–1271).[5]
The term "conclave" derives from the literal locking of cardinals in seclusion. Rules evolved over centuries, addressing issues such as the "jus exclusivae" (veto power of Catholic monarchs), abolished by Pope Pius X in 1904. Twentieth-century reforms included Pope Paul VI's 1975 limits on electors to those under 80 and John Paul II's 1996 Universi Dominici Gregis, which introduced residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae and enhanced secrecy measures.[1]
Recent Conclaves
Modern conclaves have been notably brief. The 2005 conclave elected Pope Benedict XVI in four ballots over two days. The 2013 conclave elected Pope Francis in five ballots. The 2025 conclave, with 133 electors, concluded on the second day with the election of Pope Leo XIV, reflecting the global composition of the College of Cardinals.[6]
Procedure
Upon vacancy of the Apostolic See, the College of Cardinals assembles for general congregations to manage interim governance and prepare the conclave. The conclave begins 15–20 days after vacancy, opening with the Mass Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice in St. Peter's Basilica.[1]
Cardinal electors process to the Sistine Chapel, swear oaths of secrecy, and hear the command Extra omnes ("all out") as non-electors depart. Voting occurs up to four times daily: ballots are cast, counted, and burned. Black smoke (fumata nera) indicates no election; white smoke (fumata bianca) signals success. A two-thirds majority is required; prolonged deadlock allows for alternative procedures, such as runoff between top candidates.[1]
The elected pope accepts (or may decline), chooses a name, and is vested. The senior cardinal deacon announces Habemus Papam, followed by the pope's first blessing Urbi et Orbi.[1]
Secrecy is absolute, with penalties of excommunication for violations. Electronic jamming and inspections prevent communication.[1]
Significance in Catholic Tradition
The conclave manifests the collegial structure of the Church while upholding the primacy of the Roman Pontiff. Catholic teaching holds that the Holy Spirit guides the election, ensuring continuity of the Petrine ministry established by Christ (Matthew 16:18–19; cf. Lumen Gentium, 22).[7]
Seclusion and prayer underscore discernment of God's will, free from worldly pressures. The process symbolizes the Church's unity amid diversity, as cardinals from worldwide dioceses collaborate in electing Peter's successor.[8]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Universi Dominici Gregis". Vatican. 22 February 1996. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_22021996_universi-dominici-gregis.html.
- ↑ "2025 papal conclave". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_papal_conclave.
- ↑ "Leo XIV is the new Pope". Vatican News. 8 May 2025. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/cardinal-elected-pope-papal-name.html.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Conclave". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04192a.htm.
- ↑ "Catholic Encyclopedia: Conclave". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04192a.htm.
- ↑ "2025 papal conclave". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_papal_conclave.
- ↑ Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
- ↑ "Lumen Gentium". https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html.