Who Chooses the New Pope
The new pope is chosen exclusively by the College of Cardinals, the highest-ranking clergy below the pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 on the day the papacy becomes vacant may enter the Sistine Chapel to vote, a rule set by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and reaffirmed by recent documents. The number of cardinal electors is capped at 120, though the total number of living cardinals is larger, and the exact count of electors changes as popes appoint or accept resignations from cardinals worldwide. The Vatican's official portal publishes updates on consistories and cardinal appointments that affect the composition of the electorate.
Cardinals are appointed by the sitting pope from bishops and officials around the world, with appointments often reflecting regional balances, curial roles, and age limits. When a pope dies or resigns, the Vatican announces the vacancy, and the Camerlengo, a senior cardinal, manages the transition and confirms the start of the conclave. The conclave must begin between 15 and 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant, though it can be delayed for logistical or health reasons, and cardinals take an oath of secrecy before voting begins.
How the Papal Conclave Voting Works
Voting Procedure and Ballot Rules
Each cardinal elector writes a name on a ballot, pledges to vote for a worthy candidate, and places the ballot in a chalice or urn on the altar. The ballots are counted by three randomly chosen cardinals, called scrutineers, and the results are read aloud and recorded. If no candidate receives a two-thirds supermajority, ballots are burned after each round, and white smoke signals a failed vote while black smoke signals a successful one, with chemical compounds now used alongside traditional methods to ensure clarity.
Historical and Modern Changes to the Process
Before 1179, papal elections were often influenced by secular rulers, Roman factions, and military pressure, but reforms gradually restricted the electorate to cardinals and then to cardinal electors under 80. Pope Benedict XVI adjusted procedures in 2007 and 2013, including rules that require a two-thirds majority and limiting the number of ballots per day to reduce fatigue and outside influence. Forbes explains the modern conclave process and notes that cardinals may only leave the conclave once it begins unless they are ill and approved by the other voters.
Where and When a New Pope Is Elected
The Sistine Chapel and Vatican City
All votes take place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, a walled enclave within Rome that serves as the headquarters of the Holy See. Security is managed by the Swiss Guard and Vatican police, and electronic devices are banned inside the chapel to prevent leaks or external interference. The Vatican's official site provides details on the chapel's role, its famous ceiling, and the logistical setup for each conclave.
Announcement and Public Reception
When a cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority, the senior cardinal deacon announces "Habemus Papam" from St. Peter's Basilica balcony, and the new pope appears to greet the faithful and give his first blessing. The Vatican's communications office then releases the name, chosen papal name, and key biographical details, and the Vatican press office coordinates coverage with global media outlets and wire services.