How a New Pope is Chosen 🔥 | Inside the Secret Papal Conclave

The process of choosing a new pope in the Roman Catholic Church is known as a papal conclave, a tradition that has evolved over centuries. It begins after the death or resignation of a pope, with a period of mourning and preparation. All cardinals under the age of 80 are called to Rome, where they gather in the Vatican. Before the conclave begins, they meet in a series of general congregations to discuss the state of the Church and consider the qualities needed in the next pope. These discussions help shape the thoughts and votes of the electors as they prepare to choose a new spiritual leader.

The actual election takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are sequestered from the outside world—literally "with a key" (from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”), which is where the word "conclave" originates. No one else is allowed in or allowed contact with them. The cardinals vote by secret ballot, writing the name of their chosen candidate on a slip of paper, which is then collected and counted. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If no one reaches that threshold, the ballots are burned with a special chemical that produces black smoke, signaling to the world that no pope has yet been chosen.

The voting continues—up to four times per day—until a new pope is elected. Once someone receives the required majority and accepts the role, he is asked to choose a papal name. White smoke is then released from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out. Shortly afterward, the new pope is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the traditional announcement: "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!"). This moment is watched by millions around the globe and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the Catholic Church.