Conclave in focus: The Papal election process

Following the death of Pope Francis, which has deeply saddened the Catholic community, discussions about who will succeed him as pope have intensified on social media — sparking renewed interest in the 2024 hit film Conclave, which dramatized the secretive and sacred election process of the papacy.

As the real-life process of papal succession, known as the conclave, begins in the Vatican, fiction meets reality.

What is the Conclave?
The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic Church’s most senior figures, all appointed by the pope. These cardinals will make their way to Rome over the next few days to prepare for the conclave. The term “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with key,” referencing the locked and secretive nature of the election.

During the conclave, cardinals swear an oath of absolute secrecy. No phones, newspapers, television, letters, or external messages are allowed. The Sistine Chapel, where the voting takes place under Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling, is thoroughly swept for surveillance devices before and during the process.

Who votes?
There are over 250 cardinals worldwide, from more than 90 countries. However, only about 135 are eligible to vote—those under the age of 80. Of these, approximately 110 were appointed by Pope Francis himself, reflecting his vision for a more inclusive and globally representative Church.

Election process
Fifteen to twenty days after a pope’s death, the conclave officially begins. The process starts with a Mass, followed by deliberations and voting. Each cardinal-elector receives a ballot with the words eligo in summum pontificem ("I elect as supreme pontiff") printed at the top. After writing the name of their chosen candidate, they fold the ballot and place it into a chalice.

Voting takes place twice daily, in the morning and afternoon, until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. After every seven ballots, there is a day set aside for prayer and reflection. The longest papal conclave in modern history lasted five days in 1922.

After each vote, ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

Who can be elected?
Technically, any baptized male Catholic can be elected pope, but in practice, the position almost always goes to a serving cardinal.

Once a candidate is elected, he is asked whether he accepts the position and which papal name he wishes to take. After this, he is led to the Room of Tears, where Vatican tailors will have prepared white vestments in various sizes. Dressed in the papal garments, including a white cassock, skull cap, and red slippers, the new pope is then introduced to the world.

As the global Catholic community mourns Pope Francis, the conclave becomes not only a matter of religious tradition but also a moment of worldwide anticipation — an echo of history, ritual, and the weight of choosing a spiritual leader for 1.4 billion Catholics.