Conclave
A conclave is the secret meeting of the College of Cardinals convened to elect a new pope, held in the Sistine Chapel under strict rules of isolation and confidentiality.
How It Works
Cardinal electors under the age of 80 cast secret ballots, with a two-thirds majority needed to elect a pope; smoke from burned ballots signals the outcome to the waiting crowds — black for no decision, white for a new pope.
Origins of the Word
"Conclave" comes from the Latin for "with a key," referring to the historical practice of locking the cardinals in until they reached a decision.
Related Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a conclave usually last?
Modern conclaves have typically lasted only a few days, though history includes far longer ones — the longest ran nearly three years in the 13th century.
Can any cardinal be elected pope?
In principle, any baptized Catholic man could be elected, but in practice popes are almost always chosen from among the cardinal electors themselves.