How is a new pope elected?
The procedure used by the Catholic Church in electing a new pope (i.e. Bishop of Rome) has developed for almost two millennia. However, it’s defining moment came in the mid-10th century, when the College of Cardinals was created to bring some bit of order to the whole process of choosing a new pope.
A new pope is elected through a papal conclave, where cardinal electors gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote in secrecy. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority, followed by official acceptance and public proclamation.
Summary: Election of New Pope
A papal conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened to elect the bishop of Rome, known as the pope. The pope is considered the apostolic successor of Saint Peter and the leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave remains the oldest method of selecting a head of state still in use today. The current regulations governing papal conclaves were established by Pope John Paul II in 1996 through the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. Over time, the process has undergone modifications to adapt to historical and political changes, ensuring a fair and decisive election.
A depiction of Saint Peter by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens.
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Historical Development
Initially, the bishop of Rome was chosen through consensus among the clergy and laity of the diocese. The process was often informal, leading to disputes and rival papal claimants, known as antipopes. To bring order, the College of Cardinals was designated as the sole body of electors in 1059 by Pope Nicholas II.
The first significant regulations came with the Ubi periculum decree of 1274 by Pope Gregory X, which introduced the concept of seclusion (cum clave), limiting the cardinals’ interaction with the outside world until they elected a new pope. This reform was prompted by the lengthy 1268–1271 interregnum. Over time, additional measures were introduced to refine the process and prevent external interference.
Before 1059, the bishop of Rome (i.e. the pope) was chosen by acclamation of the local clergy and laity.
The requirement of a two-thirds majority vote was formalized at the Third Lateran Council in 1179. Pope Gregory XV, in 1621, issued Aeterni Patris Filius, standardizing the voting procedures, including secret ballots. Until 1621, cardinals could vote for themselves, but the decree ensured impartiality by mandating that a candidate could not be elected by self-vote.
By the 19th century, political influence by European monarchs led to the jus exclusivae, or right of veto, which was exercised by Catholic monarchs to block candidates they opposed. This practice was abolished by Pope Pius X in 1903.
Role of the College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals is the exclusive body responsible for electing a new pope. Historically, the electorate included clergy and laypeople, but in 1059, Pope Nicholas II restricted it to the cardinals. In 1970, Pope Paul VI further refined the electorate by barring cardinals aged 80 and above from voting.
The number of electors has varied over time. Pope Sixtus V set a limit of 70 cardinals in 1587, but this was gradually expanded, and today, the maximum number of electors is 120. John Paul II’s reforms further specified that only cardinals who were under 80 at the time of the papal vacancy could participate.
Modern Conclave Procedures
Pre-Conclave Activities
Following the death or resignation of a pope, the camerlengo verifies the vacancy and oversees administrative functions. A nine-day mourning period, known as novemdiales, is observed, during which the College of Cardinals gathers to discuss Church affairs and prepare for the election.
Before the conclave begins, cardinals hear sermons and take an oath to uphold secrecy and avoid external influence. They then proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where the election takes place.
An illustration showing the camerlengo announcing the passing of a pope.
Voting Process
The conclave operates under strict secrecy. Electronic communication is prohibited, and security measures such as signal jamming and physical sweeps for surveillance devices ensure confidentiality.
Voting follows a structured process:
- Pre-scrutiny: Ballots are distributed, and electors write the name of their chosen candidate.
- Scrutiny: Each cardinal places their ballot in a receptacle after taking an oath. Ballots are then counted by scrutineers.
- Post-scrutiny: Votes are tallied. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, another round follows.
Ballots are burned after each round. Black smoke signals an unsuccessful vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope. Since 2005, bells have also been used to confirm the result.
The papal conclave remains a deeply symbolic and historically significant event, blending ancient traditions with modern adaptations.
Acceptance and Proclamation
Once a candidate receives the required votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks if they accept the papacy. Upon acceptance, the new pope selects a regnal name and is taken to the Room of Tears to dress in papal garments. The protodeacon then announces Habemus Papam from St. Peter’s balcony, and the new pope imparts his first blessing.
The Room of Tears is a small chamber where the newly elected pope dresses and reflects on the weight of his new role.
What is the cardinalitial zucchetto?
A unique tradition observed at the conclusion of the conclave is the pope-elect’s potential gesture of gifting his cardinalitial zucchetto (skullcap) to the secretary of the conclave. This act signifies that the recipient will be elevated to the rank of cardinal at the next consistory. Before 2013, the last instance of this tradition occurred in 1958 when Pope John XXIII bestowed his zucchetto upon Alberto di Jorio, who was later made a cardinal.
The new pope’s zucchetto signals that the recipient, usually the conclave secretary, will be made a cardinal at the next consistory.
Pope Francis revived this tradition in 2013 by giving his zucchetto to Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, the secretary of that conclave. As anticipated, Baldisseri was formally created a cardinal in Pope Francis’ first consistory on February 22, 2014, receiving the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino. This practice, while not mandatory, serves as a gesture of gratitude and recognition within the College of Cardinals.
At the conclusion of the 2013 conclave, Pope Francis made his first public appearance before the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
Did you know…?
- After his election, the new pope selects from three sizes of papal garments, including a white cassock and zucchetto, though modifications to traditional attire vary.
- Since John Paul I, popes have opted for a simpler inauguration rather than the traditional papal coronation with the triregnum (triple tiara).
Secular Influence and Its Decline
Throughout history, secular rulers sought to influence papal elections. Byzantine emperors, Holy Roman Emperors, and Catholic monarchs exerted significant pressure in past conclaves. However, with the abolition of the jus exclusivae and the enforcement of conclave secrecy, secular interference has significantly diminished.
History of the Catholic Church: How and When Did Catholicism Begin?
Questions and Answers
What is a papal conclave?
A papal conclave is the gathering of the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope, the bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church.
Where is the conclave held?
It is held in the Sistine Chapel within Vatican City.
When did the practice of conclaves begin?
The formal practice began in 1274 with Pope Gregory X’s decree Ubi periculum to prevent prolonged elections.
A fresco, by Italian painter Buonamico Buffalmacco , of Pope Gregory X.
Who are the electors in a conclave?
The College of Cardinals elects the pope, but since 1970, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
What majority is required to elect a pope?
A two-thirds majority of cardinal electors is required.
What happens if there is a deadlock in voting?
After multiple rounds of voting without a result, only the top two candidates remain, and a two-thirds majority is still needed.
How is secrecy maintained during a conclave?
Cardinals are isolated, and communication with the outside world is strictly prohibited.
What do black and white smoke signals mean?
Black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.
What is the role of the camerlengo?
The camerlengo verifies the pope’s death, oversees the Church during the vacancy, and destroys the Fisherman’s Ring.
Can a pope resign?
Yes, a pope can resign, as seen with Benedict XVI in 2013.
How does the Vatican prevent surveillance during a conclave?
The Sistine Chapel is checked for surveillance devices, Wi-Fi is blocked, and signal jammers are used to prevent electronic communication.
Aerial view of the Sistine Chapel.
Has media ever infiltrated a conclave?
Yes, in past conclaves, reporters disguised as servants were discovered attempting to access confidential proceedings.
Has a non-cardinal ever been elected pope?
Historically, yes, but since 1378, every pope has been elected from the College of Cardinals.
Can a pope be elected in absentia?
Yes, but the last such case was Pope Adrian VI in 1522.
What happens immediately after a pope is elected?
He accepts the election, chooses a papal name, dons the papal vestments, and is announced to the public.
What is the first public act of a new pope?
The new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
How have conclave procedures changed over time?
Rules have evolved, including limits on elector age, the requirement of a two-thirds majority, and the elimination of non-cardinal electors.
Today, the papal conclave stands as a testament to the Church’s ability to maintain continuity while adapting to contemporary challenges.
