Papal Conclave

The Catholic Church has now entered the Sede Vacante period ahead of the Papal Conclave after the death of  Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.

About the Papal Conclave

• Introduction: The Papal Conclave is the secretive process by which the College of Cardinals elects a new Pope after the seat becomes vacant.
• Symbolic Acts: Following a Pope’s death, rituals include breaking the Ring of the Fisherman and public viewing of the body, before burial.
• Sede Vacante period: It is the time between a Pope’s death or resignation and the election of his successor.
• Composition: Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote; currently, about 135 voting cardinals are expected, 80% appointed by Pope Francis.
• Purpose: The conclave ensures spiritual and political consensus in choosing a Pope who can lead the global Church.
• The Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), an apostolic constitution, governs the process. It dictates strict procedures, and demands secrecy and complete isolation within the Vatican City.

Process of Pope’s Election

• Secrecy and Setting: The election is held in the Sistine Chapel under strict isolation to avoid external influence.
• Voting Requirement: A two-thirds majority is required, pushing for compromise candidates with broad appeal across ideological blocs.
• Voting Rounds: Multiple rounds of secret ballots are held; black smoke signals no decision, white smoke announces the election of a new Pope.
• Announcement: Upon election, a cardinal announces “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Basilica, introducing the new Pope who then gives his first blessing.

About the Pope and His Role

• The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, the supreme pontiff, and the global leader of the Catholic Church.
• Eligibility: Any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible, though all Popes in modern history have been cardinals.
• Tenure: The papacy is usually a lifetime role, though resignation is possible, as seen with Benedict XVI.
• Key Duties: The Pope guides doctrine, appoints bishops, leads the Vatican’s diplomatic missions, and acts as a moral and spiritual leader worldwide.