In an increasingly volatile and changing world, there are rites that endure with strength, dignity, and mystery. One of them is the conclave: the meeting held by the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church to elect the new Pope, successor to the Apostle Peter. This process, carefully governed by the document Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Saint John Paul II, is unique on the planet.

Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi, in an in-depth interview on Ver y Creer TV, explains what this ancient rite, which has remained essentially unchanged for centuries, consists of. In contrast to distorted versions in movies or sensationalist headlines, Arizmendi reminds us that the conclave is, above all, a profoundly spiritual experience.

“The conclave,” he affirms, “is the meeting of the cardinals, the Pope’s closest collaborators, who, after much prayer, consultation, and discernment, have the responsibility of electing the new Pontiff.” It is a demanding and delicate task, in which the cardinals isolate themselves from the world to allow themselves to be guided solely by the Holy Spirit.

Since the pontificate of Paul VI, only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate as electors. Although the title of cardinal is for life, the right to vote in the conclave is lost upon reaching that age. Currently, there are 133 cardinal electors worldwide.

Arizmendi, now emeritus, will not participate in a potential conclave, but clearly remembers the experience of the congregations and consistories, the meetings leading up to them, and the profound meaning of this event: “Thank God I don’t participate,” he says humbly, “because it is an immense responsibility.”

A curious fact provided by Cardinal Arizmendi is that, although a member of the College of Cardinals is elected, in theory any baptized male with the necessary qualifications could be elected. If he is not a bishop, he is ordained immediately before beginning the pontificate. For a candidate to be elected Pope, he must achieve a two-thirds majority of the votes of the cardinals present, and up to four votes can be held per day until that consensus is reached.

The conclave is not a political mechanism or a power struggle, but a call to listen to the Holy Spirit. In a world that runs at full speed, this rite invites pause, silence, and prayer. And for this reason, the Church remains one of the most admired institutions, even by those who do not share the Catholic faith.

The conclave not only elects a new Pope: it represents an act of faith and trust in God’s action in history. A reminder that, although times change, some truths remain.

The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “under lock and key,” reflecting this tradition of total isolation during the electoral process. Although today’s conditions are much more humane, the spirit remains the same: to guarantee a free election, free from external pressure or political influence.

Current Structure of the Conclave

According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis promulgated by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1996, the conclave is regulated with great precision. Only cardinals under the age of 80, known as electors, are allowed to participate. Currently, there are around 120 of them from all over the world, reflecting the catholicity and universality of the Church.

The process begins with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the solemn entry of the cardinal electors into the Sistine Chapel, while they sing hymns asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There, the collective oath is taken before the Gospels, committing to respect the established rules and maintaining absolute secrecy regarding what happens within the conclave.

During the conclave, the cardinals are completely isolated from the outside world. Any external communication is prohibited, except in duly justified exceptional cases, under penalty of excommunication. This measure ensures that the election is spiritual, not political or media-based.

Voting Process

The voting process is divided into three main phases:

1. Pre-scrutiny: Three scrutineers (in charge of counting the votes), three reviewers (to verify the results), and three orderlies (to collect the ballots of sick cardinals who cannot attend the Sistine Chapel) are appointed.
2. Scrutiny or Voting: Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, takes an oath, and places the folded ballot in a ballot box. The scrutineers count the votes and record the results, stitching each ballot with a needle and thread to ensure transparency.
3. Post-scrutiny: If no candidate receives the necessary two-thirds plus one of the votes, the ballots are burned along with chemicals that produce black smoke, indicating that there is still no pope. When the required consensus is reached, white smoke rises from the chimney installed in the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the world that there is a new Pontiff.

Duration of the Conclave

Although the conclave can last days, weeks, or even months, there are mechanisms to avoid unnecessary prolongations. If after nine days of voting no agreement has been reached, a special system is activated: the cardinals must choose between the two candidates with the most votes up to that point. This increases the chances of reaching a final decision.

Furthermore, during these days, pauses are taken for prayer, reflection, and meditation, reinforcing the idea that the election of the Pope is a deeply spiritual action, guided by the action of the Holy Spirit.

Who can be Pope?

Any baptized male can be elected Pope, although in practice it has always been a cardinal. Nationality, race, or language are irrelevant; the essential thing is that he or she possesses the virtues and abilities necessary to lead the Universal Church. Among the characteristics valued are:

• Age and physical and mental health
• Pastoral and administrative experience
• Intellectual and theological capacity
• Missionary and universal sense
• Personal charisma and closeness to the People of God

As Cardinal Arismendi recalled: “Francis was elected at 76 years of age, but he had enough vitality to carry out his ministry. Even if necessary, a non-ordained man could be ordained immediately, moving from deacon to priest and finally to bishop, since the Pope must be the Bishop of Rome.”

The Importance of the Prayer of the People of God

One of the most moving messages of the interview was the appeal addressed directly to the faithful: “You too have a role in the conclave.” Through prayer, they can ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten the cardinals and give them wisdom to elect the man God has chosen. “Your prayer,” the Cardinal said, “is fundamental. You are not outside of this. You participate out of faith, hope, and love.”

A Unique Event

The conclave is unique in the modern world, laden with solemnity. It is a reminder that, even when men fail, the Church continues because it is the work of God. History demonstrates this, where even in the midst of crises, divisions, and human errors, the Church continues to be a sign and sacrament of salvation for all humanity.

May the Holy Spirit always guide the Church and its leaders, and may we, the faithful, never cease to pray for those who have the immense responsibility of leading her.