“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18)
These words from Jesus to Peter have echoed through centuries of Church history. And every time the Chair of St. Peter is empty—whether through the death or resignation of a pope—the Church turns to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern a new successor.
That process is called a conclave—a centuries-old tradition rooted in prayer, discernment, and the promise that Christ will never abandon His Church. But what actually happens during a conclave? Who votes? And how does the Church know when we have a new pope?
Here’s what you need to know about one of the most sacred and fascinating events in the life of the Church.
Before the Voting: Preparation and Prayer
The Voting Process: Ballots, Smoke, and Discernment
“Habemus Papam”: What Comes Next
What Is a Conclave?
The word conclave comes from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning “with a key.” It refers to the practice of locking away the cardinal electors until a new pope is chosen. This tradition began in the 13th century to ensure that political interference wouldn’t delay the process—as had happened in the past.
Today, the conclave still retains that sense of sacred seclusion. It is meant to be a time of focused discernment, silence, and prayer, free from outside pressure. It all takes place within Vatican City, primarily in the Sistine Chapel.
Who Votes for the Next Pope?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. For the 2025 conclave, 133 cardinals will vote. These electors come from all over the world, representing the global Church. While they bring diverse experiences and perspectives, all are united in one purpose: to seek the will of God in choosing the next pope.
Before the Voting: Preparation and Prayer
In the days before the conclave begins, the cardinals gather for meetings to discuss the needs of the Church and the qualities needed in the next pope. These conversations help them enter into the conclave with a deeper sense of what is needed for the Church.
Before entering the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals celebrate Mass together and take an oath of secrecy. Then, with the words “Extra omnes!” (“Everyone out!”), all non-essential personnel are dismissed—and the doors are closed.
From that moment on, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world: no phones, no internet, no news. Their only task is to pray, listen, and vote.
The Voting Process: Ballots, Smoke, and Discernment
Each day, the Cardinals may hold up to four votes—two in the morning, two in the afternoon. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a paper ballot, folds it, and places it on a plate, which is then tipped into a chalice.
After each round, the ballots are counted and burned. The chemicals mixed with the paper determine the color of the smoke that rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
- Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been made.
- White smoke (fumata bianca) means we have a new pope.
To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. Once that happens, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks the elected cardinal two questions:
“Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
“By what name shall you be called?”
With a simple yes, the world has a new pope.
“Habemus Papam”: What Comes Next
After the new pope is vested in white, he returns to the Sistine Chapel to pray. Soon after, the cardinal protodeacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce to the world:
“Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”)
With bells ringing, the new pope steps out and greets the faithful—offering his first Urbi et Orbi blessing “to the city and to the world.”
It’s a moment of grace and unity, a powerful reminder that the Lord continues to shepherd His Church through the successor of Peter.
Why the Conclave Matters
The conclave isn’t just about choosing a leader—it’s about trusting in the promise Jesus made to His Church. The Holy Spirit is the true guide of this process, and the cardinals are its humble servants.
As Catholics, we’re invited to pray during a conclave—not just for the cardinals voting, but for the whole Church, that we may be ready to receive the leadership of the next Holy Father with faith and obedience.
And when the white smoke rises, we’re reminded again of Christ’s words:
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Additional Resources
Dive deeper into the role of the pope, the Church, and what it means to evangelize in today’s world with these videos and articles:
Curious about where the papacy comes from in Scripture?
Check out Peter: On This Rock – Meeting the Messiah Bible Study, where Curtis Martin and Josh Santo unpack Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16 and how they reveal the foundation of the Church.
In Pope Francis and the Characteristics of an Evangelizing Community, Bishop Earl Fernandes shares how we can become communities that reflect Christ to the world. Watch it on SEEK Replay.
Read Pope Francis: What Happens Now? for a look at what unfolds in the early days of a papacy and how we’re called to respond as members of the Church.
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