What Is a ‘Conclave’ and How Does It Work? An Expert Demystifies the ‘Secret’ Process That Decides the Next Pope (Exclusive)

In the aftermath of Pope Francis’ passing, the College of Cardinals faces the weighty responsibility of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church through a process known as a conclave. This term, rooted in Latin, essentially translates to “under lock and key,” signifying the secretive and sacred nature of the proceedings involved, as explained by Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a respected expert on Pope Francis.

The conclave is a rare assembly that takes place only upon the death of a reigning pope, with the upcoming session drawing increased attention following the recent passing of Pope Francis. This private gathering of cardinals, which culminates in the selection of a new pontiff, is a momentous occasion that will soon unfold in the iconic setting of the Sistine Chapel.

As the Catholic faithful mourn the loss of Pope Francis, a process shrouded in secrecy and tradition awaits the College of Cardinals. While the conclave itself is veiled in confidentiality, leaks are not uncommon, as evidenced by past papal elections. The meticulous rituals and protocols governing the conclave have a profound impact on the future leadership of the Church.

Following the demise of a pope, a period of around 15 to 20 days elapses before the conclave convenes in Rome, marking the commencement of the meticulous selection process. Prior to the secluded voting within the Sistine Chapel, preliminary discussions during general congregations shape the considerations and priorities that will guide the cardinals’ decision-making.

Once the doors to the conclave close, the cardinals are sequestered within the chapel until a new pope is elected, engaging in successive rounds of voting until a consensus is reached. The significance of white smoke billowing from the chapel signals the conclusion of the conclave and heralds the proclamation, “Habemus papam,” signifying the successful election of a new pope.

The decisive moment in the conclave arrives when a two-thirds majority among the cardinals is attained, a pivotal threshold that determines the next leader of the Catholic Church. The process is characterised by meticulous rules and precedents that guide the voting and deliberations, underscoring the weighty responsibility borne by the cardinals in selecting the Vicar of Christ.

The conclave, with its blend of solemnity, tradition, and divine guidance, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the Catholic Church. As the world watches with bated breath, the sacred ritual unfolds within the hallowed confines of the Sistine Chapel, where the future of the Church is entrusted to the discernment of the College of Cardinals.

In conclusion, the arcane nature of the conclave encapsulates centuries-old traditions and spiritual significance, highlighting the convergence of faith, history, and governance in the selection of the next spiritual leader of millions of Catholics worldwide. The process is a testament to the enduring legacy of the papacy and the enduring traditions that shape the Church’s leadership.