The conclave is one of the most significant events in the Catholic Church, a process of great solemnity and secrecy held to elect the successor to Saint Peter. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin “cum clavis,” meaning “with a key,” given that the cardinals are literally locked in a room until the new pope is elected. This article explores the history, process, and some anecdotes of this crucial event for the Church.

History of the Conclave

The origin of the conclave dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Church began to formalize papal elections to avoid conflicts and disputes over the papal succession. In 1059, Pope Nicholas II established the right of cardinals to elect the pope, eliminating lay participation in the process. However, the process was not as structured as we know it today.

The first “modern” conclave, with the formalization of a series of rules and security measures, took place in 1276, during the papacy of Gregory X. This Pope implemented the process of isolating the cardinals in a closed room to avoid outside influences. Thus, the first rules governing the election of the Pope were born, such as the obligation to keep the cardinals isolated until a decision was reached.

The Election Process

The conclave is held when the Pope dies or resigns. First, the cardinals meet in Vatican City. The cardinal electors (those under 80 years of age) are summoned by the College of Cardinals to elect the new pope. The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, a place steeped in historical significance, where the cardinals meet under a rigorous process.

The voting process is conducted in secret, with each cardinal writing their candidate’s name on a ballot. To be elected Pope, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes of the cardinals present. If this consensus is not reached, the ballots are burned, and the resulting smoke is sent to St. Peter’s Square for public viewing. White smoke indicates that a pope has been elected, while black smoke indicates that no agreement has been reached.

This voting process is repeated until the necessary majority is reached. In longer cases, such as the conclave of 1268-1271, the process can extend for weeks, although the average is a few days.

Conclave Traditions

Over the centuries, the conclave has been the scene of some curious anecdotes and historic moments. One of the best-known is the election of Pope Urban VI in 1378. He was elected in a conclave in Rome, but his election was immediately contested by some cardinals who felt pressured. This conflict led to the Western Schism, with two rival popes, one in Rome and one in Avignon, dividing the Church for several decades.

One of the most emblematic traditions of the conclave is the famous “Mass of the Holy Spirit,” celebrated at the beginning of the process. During this ceremony, the cardinals ask for divine guidance to make the right decision, recognizing that the election of the Pope is not solely a human act, but a decision made with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Another curious tradition is the moment when the new Pope, after his election, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The first time he delivers his speech, he commonly refers to his papal name, and he often takes a moment to bless the people gathered in the square.

The conclave is not merely an administrative process, but a profound act of faith involving the Universal Church. Through this process, the cardinals not only elect a temporal leader, but also a spiritual guide for the entire Catholic community, a Pope who has the responsibility of guiding the Church toward the truth of Christ. In the solemnity of the conclave, the Church manifests its belief in the action of the Holy Spirit, who guides the cardinals in their task of discerning who will be the successor of Peter.

This process, which combines history, tradition, and faith, reminds us of the importance of unity in the Church and the central role the Pope plays in the evangelizing mission of Christianity.