The conclave is the assembly of cardinals of the Catholic Church who gather to elect the new Pope. The term “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), indicating the cardinals’ enforced seclusion until a new Pontiff is chosen. This centuries-old and solemn tradition represents one of the most significant and ritualized moments in the life of the Catholic Church.
Historical Origins of the Conclave
The official establishment of the conclave dates back to the 13th century, specifically to 1274, during the Second Council of Lyon under Pope Gregory X. It became necessary after the longest sede vacante (period without a Pope) in history: the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268 led to almost three years of uncertainty, during which the cardinals were unable to reach an agreement. The people of Viterbo, where the election was taking place, became so exasperated that they locked the cardinals inside the episcopal palace, cutting off their food and comforts to force a quicker decision. From this experience, the rule of enforced isolation during papal elections was born.
How the Conclave Works Today
Today, the procedures governing the conclave are set out in the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued by Pope John Paul II in 1996 (later updated). Here’s how it works:
1. Convocation
After the death or resignation of a Pope, the sede vacante period begins. The Camerlengo (the cardinal responsible for managing the Church during this time) officially verifies the Pope’s death, seals the papal apartments, and organizes the funeral rites. The conclave must start between 15 and 20 days after the Pope’s death.
2. Participants
Only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the Pope’s death may participate. Generally, the number of eligible electors is capped at 120. The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s frescoes, and take an oath of secrecy regarding all matters concerning the election.
3. Voting Procedure
Voting is secret. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot and places it into an urn on the altar. To be elected Pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If after multiple votes no candidate reaches the required majority, the cardinals proceed to a runoff between the two candidates who received the most votes.
4. The Famous Smoke Signals
At the end of each voting session, the ballots are burned: if no Pope has been elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke (fumata nera). If a Pope has been chosen, white smoke (fumata bianca) rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling to the world that the election is complete.
5. The Announcement: “Habemus Papam”
Once the elected cardinal accepts the role (and chooses a papal name), the senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the famous “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) to the world.
Curiosities and Historical Conclaves
The Longest Conclave
As mentioned, the longest conclave in history took place in Viterbo from 1268 to 1271, lasting an astonishing 1006 days! The delay was due to deep political divisions among the cardinals and external pressures from European monarchs. It was only after extreme measures taken by the townspeople that Pope Gregory X was finally elected.
The Shortest Conclave
The shortest conclave occurred in 1503, after the death of Pope Pius III, who had reigned for only 26 days. The subsequent conclave lasted only a few hours: Giuliano della Rovere was almost unanimously elected as Pope Julius II. More recently, the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted just two days.
Other Interesting Facts
“Papabile” Cardinals: Some cardinals are considered favorites, but history shows that the elected Pope is often an unexpected choice. A famous Latin saying goes, “He who enters the conclave as Pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”
Absolute Secrecy: Cardinals are bound to strict secrecy about all matters concerning the election, under penalty of automatic excommunication (latae sententiae).
The Fisherman’s Ring: After the election, the new Pope is given the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing the ministry of Saint Peter. The previous Pope’s ring is destroyed to prevent misuse.
The Room of Tears: In the “Room of Tears” (a small chamber next to the Sistine Chapel), the newly elected Pope dons the papal white garments for the first time. It is named because many new Popes are overwhelmed with emotion at that moment.
