What Is a Conclave
A conclave is a private meeting where cardinals gather to elect a new pope. The word comes from Latin, meaning “with a key,” reflecting the locked-door tradition. The process is governed by strict rules set in church law and recent apostolic constitutions.
How the Voting Process Works
Cardinals cast secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel. Each vote is counted and burned in a special stove. Black smoke signals a failed ballot, while white smoke signals a successful election. A two-thirds supermajority is required to elect the pope.
Key Rules and Traditions
During the conclave, participants follow tight security and silence rules. No external communication is allowed, and cardinals sleep in simple quarters inside the Vatican. Detailed procedures, including ballot handling and verification, are outlined in official documents such as Vatican.va.
