The papal election is a highly secretive process conducted by the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote.
No open campaigning occurs, but Vatican observers speculate on papabili—candidates seen as likely to become pope.
Currently, Pope Francis, who has faced increasing health challenges, is in hospital with pneumonia in both lungs. Having already lost part of a lung in his youth, concerns about his condition have intensified.
While no immediate succession plans have been announced, the Vatican closely monitors the situation.
Each cardinal writes their chosen name on a ballot, which is placed in a chalice atop the altar.
If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, voting continues, with up to four rounds per day. Some conclaves last mere hours, while others have stretched for months.
After each vote, ballots are burned in a stove. Black smoke signals an inconclusive result, while white smoke announces that a new pope has been chosen. Thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square, awaiting the momentous declaration.
Once a decision is made, a senior cardinal steps onto the basilica balcony and declares Habemus Papam! The new pope then emerges, having chosen a papal name, and delivers his first blessing to the world.
Beyond spiritual leadership, the pope plays a crucial diplomatic and political role. Most serve until death, though Pope Benedict XVI’s 2013 resignation marked the first in six centuries.
The next conclave, whenever it occurs, will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church.
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