When a new pope is to be chosen, cardinals from around the world gather for a "conclave," a secluded meeting held in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Instituted in the late 13th century, this tradition ensures the cardinals remain isolated, voting by secret ballot until one candidate secures the required two-thirds majority.
What was the longest papal election?
In 1271, following the death of Pope Clement IV, the cardinals took nearly three years to elect a new pope due to their inability to reach a consensus. When Teobaldo Visconti was finally chosen as Pope Gregory X, he issued the Ubi periculum decree. This landmark reform required that future papal elections be conducted in strict seclusion, isolating the cardinals from external influences and interferences. The rules were temporarily suspended by Pope Adrian V in 1276 but then reinstated after another lengthy election lasted between April 1292 and July 1294.
No conclave has lasted more than four days since 1831.
What was the shortest conclave?
The death of Pius III in 1503 resulted in the shortest conclave in history. After serving as pope for just 26 days, Pius III succumbed to a septic ulcer in his leg. The conclave following his death lasted only a few hours, culminating in the selection of Giuliano della Rovere as the new pope, Pope Julius II.
How does the ballot work?
Multiple rounds of voting take place before a candidate emerges. As outlined by Vatican News, the process follows a specific ritual for handling ballots. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a folded card and carries it to the altar, where a plate-covered chalice is set. Upon reaching the altar, they recite an oath, place their ballot on the plate and use it to slide the paper into the chalice. After bowing, they return to their seat.
Once all votes are cast, the contents of the chalice are mixed. Ballots are then counted one-by-one, transferring each into another container. If the total count is correct, the ballots are then opened and read. If the total count is incorrect, the ballots are burned and a new vote is conducted.
How are the votes counted?
Three scrutineers—the cardinals tasked with counting and tallying—process the votes. The first scrutineer reads the name written on each ballot and passes it to the second, who verifies the name and hands it to the third. The third scrutineer reads the name aloud for all to hear and records the vote. Once all the ballots are tallied, the final scrutineer pierces them with a needle and threads them together with string. The ballots are securely stored until they are ready to be burned.
If no candidate secures the required majority after three days of voting, the process is paused for a day dedicated to prayer and discussion.
