The world stops. Seriously. When a Pope dies or resigns, a billion people suddenly turn their eyes toward a single chimney in Rome. It’s wild if you think about it. In an age of instant TikTok updates and 5G, the Catholic Church relies on burning wet hay and chemicals to send a signal.
But there is so much more to the process of electing a pope than just the smoke.
Most people think it’s just a bunch of guys in red hats sitting in a circle. Actually, it is a high-stakes, legally rigid, and deeply secretive marathon. It’s governed by a document called Universi Dominici Gregis. Basically, that’s the rulebook. If you break the rules, you aren't just fired—you’re excommunicated. Automatically.
The Sede Vacante: When the Throne is Empty
First, we have the "Sede Vacante." That’s Latin for "the seat is vacant."
The moment a Pope’s heart stops, the "Camerlengo" takes over. Right now, that’s Cardinal Kevin Farrell. He’s basically the acting CEO of the Vatican for a few weeks. One of his weirdest jobs? He has to officially certify the death. There’s a persistent myth that he hits the Pope on the head with a silver hammer while calling his name.
Total fiction.
In reality, he just calls the name three times. Then, he destroys the Fisherman’s Ring. This isn't just for drama; it's to prevent anyone from forging official documents before a new guy is picked.
While the world is mourning, the Cardinals are busy. They hold "General Congregations." Think of these as the ultimate pre-game meetings. They talk about the state of the Church. They argue. They lobby. They size each other up. Any cardinal can attend these, even the ones over 80 who can't actually vote.
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Inside the Conclave: The Lock-In
The word "conclave" literally means "with a key." It goes back to the 13th century when people got so fed up with the cardinals taking years to pick a Pope that they locked them in a room and eventually started taking the roof off the building to "let the Holy Spirit in."
They don't do that anymore. But it’s still a lockdown.
Once the "Extra Omnes" (everyone out) is shouted, the doors of the Sistine Chapel are bolted. No phones. No iPads. No newspapers. The Swiss Guard and Vatican technicians actually sweep the room for bugs. If a cardinal gets caught tweeting from the bathroom, he's in massive trouble.
They stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a sort of Vatican hotel. They are bussed to the chapel. They aren't allowed to talk to anyone on the way. Honestly, it sounds a bit like being on a very holy jury.
How the Voting Actually Works
The process of electing a pope is incredibly repetitive. It has to be.
Every cardinal gets a rectangular piece of paper. It says Eligo in Summum Pontificem ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff"). They are supposed to disguise their handwriting. Why? Because secrecy is everything. They fold the paper twice.
One by one, they walk up to the altar under Michelangelo’s "Last Judgment." They hold the ballot up high. They swear an oath: "I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected."
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They drop the ballot onto a plate (a paten) and then into a chalice.
- Three "Scrutineers" (the counters) are chosen by lot.
- They shake the chalice.
- They count the ballots to make sure the number matches the number of voters.
- Each Scrutineer records the name.
- The last one pokes a needle through the word Eligo on the ballot and threads them all together.
To win, a candidate needs a two-thirds majority. This is a hard rule. Pope Benedict XVI actually changed it back to a strict two-thirds because he didn't want a simple majority (50% + 1) to be able to force a candidate through after a long deadlock.
The Smoke and the "Habemus Papam"
If nobody gets two-thirds, they burn the ballots with some chemicals (potassium perchlorate and sulfur) to make black smoke. Fumata nera.
If someone wins? White smoke. Fumata bianca.
The winner is asked two questions in Latin. First: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"
If he says "Accepto," he is officially the Pope at that exact second. He doesn't need an inauguration or a crown. He just is.
Then: "By what name do you wish to be called?"
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Choosing a name is a huge deal. It’s like a mission statement. If he picks "Pius," expect a traditionalist. "Francis"? You’re looking at someone focused on the poor. "John"? Probably a reformer.
He then goes to the "Room of Tears." It’s a tiny room off the side of the chapel where they keep three sizes of white cassocks (Small, Medium, Large). He picks the one that fits best, probably cries a little because the weight of the job is terrifying, and then steps out onto the balcony.
Why This Matters in 2026
The College of Cardinals is more diverse than ever. Currently, there are about 122 cardinal electors. Pope Francis has appointed over 80% of them. You’d think that means the next Pope will be exactly like him, but history says otherwise.
Cardinals are famous for "voting their conscience" in ways that surprise everyone.
There is a saying in Rome: "He who enters the Conclave a Pope, leaves a Cardinal." It means the favorites usually lose. The dark horses, the guys nobody is talking about, are the ones to watch.
Actionable Insights for Following the Next Election
If you're watching the process of electing a pope unfold in real-time, keep these things in mind:
- Check the ages: Any cardinal who turns 80 before the Sede Vacante begins is out. They can't vote.
- Watch the first ballot: The first vote usually happens on the evening of the first day. It almost always results in black smoke. It’s just a "temperature check" to see who has the most support.
- The 3-Day Rule: If they haven't picked someone after three days, they take a break for prayer and "free discussion." This is where the real deals are made.
- The "Greats" are rare: Don't expect a name like "Peter II." No Pope has ever taken that name out of respect for the first Apostle.
The next time you see that thin trail of smoke over St. Peter’s Square, remember it’s not just a show. It’s the final step in a 2,000-year-old machine that has survived empires, wars, and the internet. It's the only election in the world where the voters are convinced the real decision-maker isn't even in the room.