The Vatican is entering a period of profound significance and solemnity following the death of the Holy Father. The Catholic Church now observes the traditional Sede Vacante—Latin for “the seat is vacant”—marking the interregnum period before a new pope is elected.

In accordance with centuries-old Vatican tradition, a conclave will be convened within the next 15 to 20 days to choose the next Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals, will formally summon the cardinals to Rome. During the Sede Vacante, the governance of the Church falls temporarily to the College of Cardinals, who are authorized only to handle routine matters, refraining from any major decisions until a new pontiff is elected.

A Sacred Gathering in the Sistine Chapel

The conclave—the term stemming from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key”—will see the eligible cardinals locked in seclusion within the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. This sacred and symbolic isolation is intended to promote prayerful reflection and prevent external influence during the election process.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. Of the 252 cardinals currently serving around the world, 137 meet this age requirement and will cast their votes.

Before voting begins, the cardinal electors will take a solemn oath of secrecy, committing to silence regarding the discussions and proceedings that unfold during the conclave.

Ancient Rituals and Modern Anticipation

Ballots are cast up to four times daily, with each cardinal inscribing the name of a chosen peer—self-voting is strictly prohibited. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. If no candidate achieves the necessary threshold, voting continues for up to four days, followed by a brief pause before resuming again.

Ballots are burned after every voting session. Chemicals are added to produce distinct smoke signals: black smoke denotes an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. Thousands of pilgrims and faithful from around the globe gather in St. Peter’s Square to witness this powerful visual tradition, waiting in prayerful hope.

The Moment of Revelation

Once a cardinal receives the required number of votes and accepts the papacy, he selects a papal name, dons the iconic white cassock, and is introduced to his fellow cardinals. He is then led to the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

It is there that the world hears the historic Latin declaration: “Habemus Papam”—“We have a pope.”

The newly elected pope will then give his first apostolic blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“to the City and to the World”), ushering in a new era for the Catholic Church.

Cardinals, appointed and vetted by the previous pope, bring a wide range of global perspectives to the conclave. As the world watches, the Catholic Church stands on the cusp of its next chapter—steeped in tradition, yet looking toward the future.

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