Conclave: What happens when the Pope dies?
Explore the fascinating history of how the papal conclave works, and learn about some of the cardinals who could succeed Pope Francis.
Image: Roman Catholic Cardinals filed into the Sistine Chapel for the conclave in March 2013 | Abaca / Alamy Stock Photo
The Papal conclave is a sacred and time-honoured tradition, marking the transition of leadership within the Catholic Church after a pope's passing. Recently, this mysterious and ritualistic process was dramatised in the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, sparking curiosity about its authenticity.
But how does it really work, and was the film accurate? At Sky HISTORY, we love exploring the background of historical events that shape our world. Join us as we examine the intricacies of this ancient ceremony.
The onset of the conclave
When a pope dies, the Catholic Church enters a period known as 'sede vacante', which roughly translates to 'the seat being vacant'.
During this time, the governance of the Church transitions to the College of Cardinals, who are responsible for organising the conclave to elect the new pope.
The term 'conclave' originates from the Latin 'cum clave', translating to 'with a key'. This reflects the tradition of locking the cardinals away until a decision is reached.
Key figures in the conclave
Several important roles are instrumental during the conclave – these include:
Camerlengo (Chamberlain)
This cardinal confirms the death of a pope using an ancient ritual. Traditionally, he gently taps the pope’s head with a silver hammer while calling out his baptismal name three times. If no response is heard, he pronounces the pope’s death.
Following this, he oversees the administration of the Church during the interregnum, managing day-to-day affairs and ensuring the conclave proceeds smoothly.
Dean of the College of Cardinals
The Dean is responsible for communicating the pope’s death to the diplomatic corps and heads of nations.
Additionally, as the presiding officer, the Dean also facilitates discussions and organises the conclave balloting in the Sistine Chapel. Following the ballot, he asks the pope-elect if they accept the election and what name they will take.
Master of the Papal Liturgical Celebrations
The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations is responsible for organising the religious ceremonies of the pope, ensuring all ceremonies adhere to tradition.
During a Papal conclave, he announces 'Extra omnes', which is Latin for 'All out', signalling the start of the voting.
The electoral process
The conclave begins with a solemn Mass, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Following this, the cardinal electors – those under the age of 80 – process into the Sistine Chapel, where the doors are sealed.
There is extreme secrecy in the process. Cardinals can be excommunicated if they leak information, and the chapel is swept for listening devices before and after the conclave.
The election itself is conducted through a series of secret ballots. Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper inscribed with Latin words for 'I elect as supreme pontiff', and approach the altar one by one.
Once every folded ballot is cast, they are opened by three scrutineers who note the names down and read them aloud. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected pope. If no candidate achieves this majority, the ballots are burned and the process starts again.
The significance of the smoke
One of the most iconic traditions of the conclave – and perhaps best known – is the use of smoke signals to communicate the results.
Black smoke (Fumata Nera)
Produced by burning the ballots with a chemical additive, black smoke indicates that no pope has been elected, and the conclave continues.
White smoke (Fumata Bianca)
When a new pope has been chosen, the ballots are burned with substances that produce white smoke. In addition, to avoid any potential confusion, the smoke is accompanied by the ringing of bells. It’s a signal to onlookers and the wider world that a new leader has been elected.
This tradition dates back to the early conclaves, serving as a simple yet effective means of communication with the public. During the 2013 conclave, black smoke bellowed from the Sistine’s chimney on multiple occasions before a decision was finally reached.
Origins of conclave traditions
The conclave’s seclusion began in the 13th century. After a prolonged papal election, Pope Gregory X decreed that cardinal electors should be secluded cum clave - 'with a key' – to help their decision-making process. It’s a measure that’s aimed to minimise external influences and guarantee a prompt election.
Since then, various popes have refined the conclave procedures, balancing tradition with the changing needs of the Church. Despite these changes, the core essence of the conclave remains the same – a solemn, sacred duty to elect the successor of Saint Peter.
Who could be the next Pope?
At the time of writing in February 2025, it’s impossible to say who may succeed Pope Francis. However, early candidates for a future Papal conclave include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70) – the Vatican’s secretary of state since 2013
- Cardinal Péter Erdő (72) – Made a cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II and former president of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67) – Only the seventh Filipino to become a cardinal, Tagle could become the first Asian pope.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (69) – Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, and president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy since 2022.
- Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (76) – Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
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