How a Pope is chosen: Inside the Vatican’s secretive Papal conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis

Cardinals from around the world are now gathered at the Vatican to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis on April 21. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the selection of a new pope carries spiritual, political, and global weight. The papal conclave, a centuries-old and highly secretive process, is set to begin inside the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

What is a Papal Conclave?

The term “conclave” comes from the Latin con clavis, meaning “with a key,” referring to the tradition of locking cardinals in until a new pope is chosen. The process is governed by a set of rules formalised in 1996 and amended by Pope Benedict XVI. It involves cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote—135 in this conclave, though 133 are confirmed participants. The cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, without access to communication devices. Airwaves are jammed, and cellphones surrendered to ensure confidentiality.

The conclave begins with a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, called Pro Eligendo Pontifice (“For the Election of the Roman Pontiff”), led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. This is followed by the chant of the Litany of the Saints and the singing of Veni, Creator Spiritus, a 1,000-year-old hymn asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

How the voting takes place

The election process includes a maximum of four rounds of voting per day—twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Each cardinal writes their choice on a ballot that says “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). Individually, they walk to the altar, swear an oath—“I call as my witness, Christ the Lord who will be my judge…”—and place their folded ballot into a silver and gold urn. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope.

Cardinals from 70 countries are gathering behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Pope | Credit: AP

If no pope is elected after four days, voting pauses on the fifth day for prayer and informal discussion. Ballots are burned after each round. Black smoke from the chapel chimney signals no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. The smoke is produced using specific chemical mixtures.

Who are the leading contenders?

Among the names being discussed are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, and Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson.

Cardinal Parolin, who is currently the Vatican’s secretary of state and has played a key role in Pope Francis’ diplomatic efforts, is also presiding over the conclave. His experience with church governance and foreign affairs makes him a prominent candidate.

Cardinal Turkson would be the first Black pope in centuries if elected. He is known for his views on poverty, climate change, and economic justice, though he maintains traditional stances on other issues. His approach to topics like homosexuality has shown some openness, particularly in African contexts.

A global moment for the Catholic church

The conclave takes place as large crowds gather in St. Peter’s Square, with pilgrims from around the world waving flags and sharing stories of their journey to Vatican City. This conclave is seen as one of the most open in recent history, with no clear favourite emerging. As cardinals cast their secret ballots under Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, Catholics across the globe await the emergence of white smoke—signalling the name of the 267th pope.

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