How a New Pope Is Elected: The Process in Rome Explained

When the leader of the Roman Catholic Church dies or resigns, the world turns its eyes to Rome, where one of the oldest and most mysterious religious rituals begins: the election of a new pope. Known as the papal conclave, this process is filled with centuries-old traditions, tight security, and a deep sense of spiritual responsibility.

In this article, we walk you through the major steps and ceremonies involved in electing a new pope, shedding light on what really happens behind the doors of the Vatican.

1. The Pope’s Seat Becomes Vacant

The process to elect a new pope begins when the current pope either:

• Dies — as has been the usual case for centuries, or

• Resigns — a rare occurrence, most recently in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down due to old age.

This period is known as “sede vacante”, meaning “the seat is vacant.” The governance of the Catholic Church then temporarily shifts to a group of cardinals until a new pope is elected.

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2. The College of Cardinals Takes Over

The College of Cardinals, which is made up of senior church officials from around the world, becomes responsible for organizing the election. However, not all cardinals vote—only those under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. Usually, there are about 120 voting cardinals.

During this period, the cardinals also:

• Organize the pope’s funeral (if he died).

• Meet in what’s called the General Congregation, where they discuss the needs of the Church and the qualities required in the next pope.

• Swear an oath of secrecy and fidelity to the rules of the conclave.

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3. Entering the Conclave

After all the preparation, the cardinals are led in a solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave will take place. This famous chapel, known for Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling, becomes their home until the new pope is chosen.

• They are completely sealed off from the outside world—no phones, internet, TV, or communication with anyone outside.

• They are housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse in Vatican City, but voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel.

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4. The Voting Process Begins

The cardinals vote up to four times a day (twice in the morning, twice in the afternoon), using secret ballots. Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a specially designed paper and folds it before placing it into a chalice or urn on the altar.

To be elected pope, a cardinal must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes.

After each round:

• The ballots are burned in a special stove inside the Sistine Chapel.

• Chemicals are added to produce smoke that signals the result to the world.

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5. Black or White Smoke: The Famous Signal

The smoke coming from the chapel's chimney is the traditional way of letting the public know the outcome of the voting:

• Black smoke: No pope yet. Voting continues.

• White smoke: A new pope has been chosen.

When the white smoke appears, the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica also ring out across Rome to confirm the joyous news.

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6. The New Pope Accepts

Once a candidate has received the necessary two-thirds majority, he is asked the key question:
“Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”

If he says yes, he is then asked:
“By what name shall you be called?”

The new pope chooses his papal name—an important symbolic act that often reflects his vision for the Church (e.g., Pope Francis chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi).

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7. Habemus Papam: The Announcement

After accepting, the new pope changes into the white papal garments and spends some time in private prayer. Then he steps out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The senior cardinal deacon announces to the world:

“Habemus Papam!” (We have a pope!)

Then, the new pope appears and gives his first blessing to the city of Rome and to the world—Urbi et Orbi.

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Why the Process Matters

The election of a pope is not just a Catholic event—it is a moment of global interest. The pope leads over 1.3 billion Catholics and influences moral, social, and political discussions worldwide. Choosing the right spiritual leader is seen as guided by the Holy Spirit, and that’s why it’s taken so seriously, with tradition, prayer, and deliberation at its core.

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Final Thoughts

The election of a new pope is one of the most carefully preserved traditions in the world. As the Sistine Chapel doors close and the world watches for a puff of white smoke, it’s a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of spiritual leadership and unity.

Whether you are religious or not, the process reflects a rare blend of history, mystery, and faith—centered in the heart of Rome.

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