How Is a New Pope Elected? A Step-by-Step Guide to the Vatican Conclave
- Bob Smile Smith
- May 7
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
The process is secretive, steeped in tradition, and uses black or white smoke to signal the outcomev - Learn how a new pope is elected—from secret ballots to the meaning of white smoke—in this clear breakdown of the Vatican conclave process.
The papal conclave held inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is a highly secretive and time-honored process. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the next pope is chosen.
Who Participates in the Conclave?
133 cardinal electors are currently locked inside the Sistine Chapel.
Before the lockdown, each one took a solemn oath of secrecy.
What Roles Are Assigned During the Process?
Nine cardinals are selected at random to fulfill specific duties:
Scrutineers (3): Oversee and count the votes.
Infirmarii (3): Collect votes from cardinals who are too ill to attend the voting in person.
Revisers (3): Double-check the vote count for accuracy.
How Does the Voting Work?
Cardinals cast their ballots one by one, in order of seniority, at a table in front of the altar.
The first Scrutineer mixes the ballots in the urn.
The third Scrutineer counts the number of ballots.
If the number of ballots doesn’t match the number of electors, the vote is discarded and repeated.
If the count is correct, the votes are opened, read aloud, and recorded.
Each ballot, marked with the Latin word "Eligo" ("I elect"), is threaded and sewn together.
The ballots are burned at the end of each voting round.
What Majority Is Needed to Elect a New Pope?
A two-thirds majority is required for a successful election.
Voting continues until this threshold is met.
What Do the Smoke Signals Mean?
Black smoke indicates no pope has been elected.
White smoke means a new pope has been chosen.
The smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney is the Vatican’s traditional way of communicating the result to the outside world. Special chemicals are added to ensure the color is clearly visible.
Why Do Cardinals Wear Red Robes and Gold Rings?
The gold ring symbolizes a cardinal’s commitment to his office and to the Gospel.
The red robes represent their willingness to shed their blood in service of the faith.
Historical Note:The use of smoke to signal the election dates back to the 19th century. The first known reference to using black or white smoke appeared during the 1903 conclave.
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