What Is a Conclave
A conclave is the closed gathering of cardinal electors who meet to choose a new pope. The word means “with a key,” reflecting the historical practice of locking the cardinals inside until a result is reached.
How Long Does a Conclave Last
A conclave can last from a few days to several weeks. There is no fixed maximum, but modern conclaves often conclude within two to five days of voting. Historically, some elections took much longer, but current rules aim to avoid prolonged deadlocks.
What Happens During the Process
Cardinals cast secret ballots in the Sistine Chapel, usually twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. A two-thirds supermajority is required to elect a pope. After about twelve to fifteen ballots without a result, the rules allow a simple majority to break the deadlock, and the cardinals may also take a day of prayer and discussion. For more details on the voting process, see Vatican guidelines on the conclave.
