The Vatican Conclave: A Closer Look at the Election of a New Pope
When a Pope passes away, a series of ancient traditions are set in motion, leading to the eventual election of a new Successor of St. Peter. Let’s delve into the detailed events that unfold during this process.
By Lisa Zengarini
As the Vatican enters a period known as Sede Vacante, or “Vacant See,” following the death of a Pope, a set of established procedures and rituals come into play to ensure the smooth transition to a new Pontiff.
The Universi Dominici Gregis: A Turning Point in Papal Elections
In 1996, Pope St. John Paul II introduced the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which revamped the norms governing the papal succession process. This document, divided into two parts, outlines the proceedings during the Sede Vacante and the election of the new Pope.
The revised regulations emphasize the role of the College of Cardinals in electing the Pope, maintaining the age limit and the exclusive participation of Cardinals in the conclave.
Key Points to Note:
The College of Cardinals: The body responsible for electing the Pope, consisting of 135 Cardinal Electors as of April 21, 2025.
The Conclave: The ancient tradition of electing the Pope in the Sistine Chapel remains intact, ensuring a sacred and impartial election process.
Under the Universi Dominici Gregis, changes were made to the voting process, including the use of secret ballots by Cardinal electors and their residence in the Casa Santa Marta during the election.
These modifications aim to uphold the integrity and independence of the papal election, safeguarding it from external influences.
With a rich history and a commitment to tradition, the Vatican conclave continues to be a solemn and significant event in the life of the Catholic Church, ensuring the continuity of the papal succession in accordance with established norms.
The Papal Election Process: A Closer Look
The election by compromise (per compromissum) was a method that was abolished due to its difficulty in implementation and the potential for irresponsibility among electors. In this method, Cardinal electors could unanimously agree to a compromise if several rounds of voting failed to produce a candidate with the required majority. This could lead to a different majority criterion being adopted.
Paragraph 75 of Universi Dominici Gregis initially stated that after the 33rd or 34th ballot, an absolute majority would be sufficient for the valid election of a new Pope. However, Pope Benedict XVI modified this provision through the Motu Proprio Aliquibus mutationibus in normis de electione Romani Pontificis, reinstating the traditional rule that a qualified two-thirds majority of the votes from the cardinal electors present is always required for a valid election.
The Vacant See
The term “Sede Vacante” (Vacant See, in Latin) refers to the period between the end of a Pope’s governance and the election of his successor. This period is regulated by the Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis“, issued by Pope St. John Paul II on February 22, 1996.
Who “manages” the Vacant See?
During the Vacant See, the College of Cardinals is entrusted with the governance of the Church, handling ordinary or urgent matters and preparing for the election of the new Pope. They also assume civil powers of the Supreme Pontiff regarding the Government of Vatican City, but do not have jurisdiction over matters exclusively under the Pope’s prerogative.
What happens to the heads of the Roman Curia during the Sede Vacante?
Upon the Pope’s death, all Heads of Dicasteries of the Roman Curia resign, except for certain roles essential for Vatican operations. These include the Cardinal Camerlengo, Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, Almoner of His Holiness, and others. Secretaries of the Dicasteries also remain in place.
What does the College of Cardinals do during the Vacant See?
During the Sede Vacante, the College of Cardinals convenes in Rome for General and Particular Congregations. General Congregations involve the entire College of Cardinals, while Particular Congregations are composed of selected Cardinals handling daily matters.
What are the most urgent decisions made by the General Congregations?
Before the election process begins, General Congregations make key decisions such as preparing accommodations for the Cardinals, assigning reflections on current Church challenges, and establishing the start of the voting process.
What happens immediately before the beginning of the election?
The election process is preceded by a solemn Eucharistic celebration and oath-taking by Cardinal electors. The Conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel, with a focus on the electors’ responsibility and commitment to secrecy.
The Intriguing Process of Electing a New Pope
The Cardinal electors, in accordance with the Ordo Sacrorum Rituum Conclavis, engage in prayers and await instructions from the Cardinal Dean regarding the voting procedures outlined in Universi Dominici Gregis.
Ensuring Confidentiality and Preventing External Interference
The election proceedings occur within the sealed confines of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to maintain utmost secrecy. Pope St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution emphasizes the strict measures to safeguard confidentiality and deter external influences (paragraphs 51-61).
During the Conclave, Cardinal electors are prohibited from communicating through letters, conversations, or media. The voting process remains shielded from any external interference.
Voting Requirements and Majority Rule
An election necessitates a two-thirds majority of present electors to select a new Pope. If the total number of electors is not divisible by three, an extra vote is conducted as per paragraph 62 of Universi Dominici Gregis.
On the first day, a single ballot is cast, followed by two ballots in the morning and two in the afternoon on subsequent days. Special provisions are made for unwell electors who must vote from the Domus Sanctae Marthae, as per Universi Dominici Gregis.
Resolving Deadlocks in Voting
If no candidate garners the required majority after three days, a prayerful break is permitted for reflection and discussions among electors. Voting resumes, and failure to elect after seven more ballots triggers another recess.
If the impasse persists, the Camerlengo consults with the Cardinals on the next steps. The traditional rule of a two-thirds majority for a valid election was reinstated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 2013.
Post-Election Protocol
Upon selection, the elected Pope consents to the appointment and chooses a papal name. The new Pontiff assumes authority over the Church, and the Conclave concludes with homage and obedience pledges from the Cardinal electors.
The public announcement of the new Pope, known as “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum; Habemus Papam,” is made by the Cardinal Proto-Deacon. The Pope then imparts the Apostolic Blessing Urbi et Orbi from St. Peter’s Basilica.
The formal possession of the Patriarchal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran marks the official commencement of the Pontificate.
