On May 7, 2025, the eyes of the world will turn to the Vatican as 135 cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This ancient ritual, known as the papal conclave, is a blend of solemn tradition, secrecy, and spiritual weight, carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, this conclave will decide who will guide the Church into an uncertain future. But what exactly happens behind those locked doors, and why does it matter?
A Tradition Steeped in History
The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with key,” a nod to the practice of locking cardinals away to ensure focus and secrecy. This tradition dates back centuries, with roots in the 13th century when frustrated locals once confined cardinals to force a quicker decision. Today, the process remains tightly controlled. Cardinals under 80—currently 135 from across the globe—meet in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world. No phones, no internet, no contact. Their mission: choose a pope by a two-thirds majority.
The conclave begins with a morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, where cardinals pray for wisdom. They then process into the Sistine Chapel, swearing an oath of secrecy under Michelangelo’s frescoes. The master of ceremonies declares “Extra omnes” (“Everyone out”), and the doors are sealed. Inside, the cardinals are alone with their ballots, their consciences, and the weight of history.
The Voting Process: Ballots and Smoke
Voting is meticulous and ritualistic. Each cardinal writes a name on a slip of paper, folds it, and places it into a chalice before the iconic Last Judgment fresco. Up to four ballots are held daily—two in the morning, two in the afternoon. After each round, the ballots are burned. If no candidate secures two-thirds of the votes, chemicals are added to produce black smoke, signaling to the world that no pope has been chosen. When a winner emerges, white smoke rises from the Vatican chimney, and crowds in St. Peter’s Square erupt in celebration.
The process is slow by design, encouraging deliberation. In 2013, it took just over a day to elect Pope Francis, but conclaves can last longer. From the 34th ballot onward, voting narrows to the top two candidates, ensuring a resolution. Once elected, the new pope is asked if he accepts and what name he will take. Tailors stand ready with three sizes of papal robes, and the new pontiff steps onto the balcony to deliver his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”).
Why the Secrecy?
Secrecy is the hallmark of the conclave, rooted in its origins. Centuries ago, locking cardinals away protected them from meddling by kings or powerful families. Today, it shields them from media pressure and public opinion. Cardinals are forbidden from discussing the proceedings, and their isolation in the Casa Santa Marta residence ensures focus. This seclusion isn’t just practical—it’s symbolic, emphasizing the spiritual gravity of choosing St. Peter’s successor.
The conclave’s mystique has even inspired pop culture, like the 2024 Oscar-nominated film Conclave, which dramatizes the process with fictional flair. Yet the real event is far more somber, a moment when cardinals grapple with the Church’s challenges: declining attendance in some regions, debates over doctrine, and the need for a leader who can unify a global faith.
A Global Church, A Diverse Vote
The cardinals reflect the Church’s diversity, hailing from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania. Italy leads with 17 electors, followed by the U.S. with 10 and Brazil with 7. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, appointed over half of these cardinals, tilting the College toward his vision of inclusion and outreach. This makes the 2025 conclave unpredictable—will it continue his legacy or shift direction?
Speculation swirls about candidates like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, or Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the youthful Patriarch of Jerusalem. But history shows surprises are common; Pope Francis himself was an unexpected choice in 2013. The cardinals’ discussions in the days before May 7 will be crucial, as they share perspectives on the Church’s needs, from addressing climate change to navigating cultural divides.
A Moment That Shapes the Future
The conclave is more than a vote; it’s a turning point for the Catholic Church. The next pope will inherit a world grappling with division, secularism, and rapid change. Will he emphasize tradition or reform? Will he come from the Global South, reflecting the Church’s growing base, or from Europe, its historical heart? These questions linger as Rome braces for crowds of pilgrims and tourists, drawn by the drama of the white smoke.
As the cardinals prepare to lock themselves away, the world watches a ritual unchanged for centuries yet always new. The conclave is a reminder of faith’s enduring power—and the human struggle to choose a leader for uncertain times. When the white smoke rises, a new chapter will begin, not just for Catholics, but for a world shaped by the Vatican’s voice.
