Image credit: Vatican Media via Vatican News. "The Cardinal concelebrants at the start of the ninth Novemdiale Mass in suffrage for Pope Francis." (@Vatican Media)

All eyes are on the Vatican as the 2025 Papal Conclave begins this week! For the first time in twelve years, the College of Cardinals has gathered in Rome to elect the next pope—the 267th pope! This sacred moment in Church history is far more than ceremony or politics; it’s the living tradition of the Catholic Church in action.

In this Ultimate Guide to the 2025 Conclave, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the full timeline of events, what actually happens inside the conclave, profiles of top papal contenders, and how to watch for the historic signal—the white smoke—that tells the world a new pope has been chosen.

What Happens Right Before the Papal Conclave? Inside the General Congregations in Rome

Before the official start of the 2025 Papal Conclave, most of the Cardinals arrive in Rome—many having already gathered for the late pope's funeral. In the days between the funeral and the start of the conclave, the College of Cardinals participates in daily meetings called General Congregations. These gatherings are essential to the papal election process.

All 252 Cardinals are allowed to attend the General Congregations, not just the electors who must be under the age of 80. These meetings serve multiple purposes: they allow Cardinals—many of whom do not know each other well—to build relationships, discuss the needs of the global Church, and pray and discern together. While this is not a time for campaigning, it is a crucial opportunity to reflect on the Church's challenges and the qualities needed in the next pope.

The General Congregations also handle the practical and spiritual preparations for the conclave itself, which begins between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death. The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” referring to the locked room where the Cardinals vote—in this case, the Sistine Chapel. Before entering the conclave, the Cardinal-electors take a solemn oath of secrecy, under penalty of excommunication, pledging never to reveal any details of the papal election.

For a quick guide to the entire papal election process, check out this article! 

A Day In The Life Of The 2025 Conclave

What Happens During a Day in the Papal Conclave?

Wondering what a typical day looks like during the 2025 Papal Conclave? Here's a simplified breakdown of the sacred and highly structured process that takes place behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel as the Cardinals gather to elect the next pope.

Morning: Mass and Entering the Conclave

The day begins with a special Mass of the Holy Spirit, during which the Cardinals ask for divine guidance. Afterward, they gather in the Pauline Chapel for a sermon and more prayer. Then, chanting the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus,” they process into the Sistine Chapel.

Each Cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy, promising never to reveal details of the conclave. At this point, the phrase “Extra omnes!” ("Everyone else out!") is declared, and all non-essential personnel leave. The Cardinals then receive a final spiritual reflection and begin their sacred task.

The First Ballot

Later that afternoon, the Cardinals take their first vote. They use a paper ballot that begins with the words “Eligo in Summum Pontificem…” (“I elect as the Supreme Pontiff…”), followed by the name of their chosen candidate.

Before placing their vote in a chalice on the altar, each Cardinal swears that his vote is honest and made before God. No one is allowed to vote for themselves.

Roles Within the Conclave

To ensure fairness, Cardinals are selected for specific roles:

• Infirmarii: deliver and collect ballots from any sick Cardinals who cannot be present.
• Scrutineers: count and read the ballots.
• Revisers: double-check the results for accuracy.

How the Votes Are Counted

Ballots are folded, placed in the chalice, counted, and read aloud. Each vote is tallied in full view of the Cardinals. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the votes are burned in a special stove with a chemical that produces black smoke, signaling no decision has been made.

When a Pope Is Elected

If a Cardinal receives the required two-thirds vote and accepts, the ballots are burned with a different chemical, producing white smoke from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel—the sign that “Habemus Papam!” (We have a pope!)

Daily Voting Routine in the Conclave 

• Up to four ballots take place each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
• The process repeats daily until a pope is elected.

Where the Cardinals Stay During the Conclave 

During the conclave, Cardinals stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a modest Vatican guesthouse. Accommodations are simple, intentionally so, to keep the focus on prayer and discernment—not comfort.

For more information about the steps of the conclave, check out this video from Fr. Mike!

Is The Conclave Really, Actually Secret? 

Yes, the conclave is entirely and profoundly secret! Even after the fact, we only learn the outcome (who was elected). We never hear the details of what went on inside. Before the conclave, the Cardinals take an oath of secrecy, promising not to discuss the particulars of the election at all, ever, under penalty of excommunication. 

The Cardinals cannot attempt any communication with the outside world and cannot even read the news. Vatican News shares details on just how clandestine the conclave is meant to be: “Throughout the election process, the Cardinal electors must refrain from sending letters or engaging in conversations, including phone calls, except in cases of extreme urgency. They are not allowed to send or receive messages of any kind, receive newspapers or magazines of any nature, or follow radio or television broadcasts.”

How Long Will The 2025 Conclave Last?

Theoretically speaking, it could take months––but this is not very likely. Judging by the most recent conclaves, all of which have lasted less than 5 days, the 2025 conclave might only last a few days. We could have a new pope very soon!

What Happens Once We Have A New Pope? 

When the white smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, bells ring across Rome. Down in the Sistine Chapel, the one elected has been asked whether he accepts his canonical election as supreme pontiff and to give the name by which he wishes to be called. Then, the Master of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies prepares a document certifying that the elected one has consented, recording his chosen name. This is the official end of the conclave! 

In keeping with conclave ritual, each Cardinal now comes forward and pays homage to the new pope, and the college of Cardinals makes an act of thanksgiving. Then, the new pope is vested in white papal robes. 

The Senior Cardinal Deacon (protodeacon) of the College of Cardinals emerges on the balcony (loggia) of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” “I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope!” He then announces in Latin the name of the cardinal who has been elected pope and the new papal name he has chosen. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square, which has been buzzing with joy, continues to erupt in cheers. The new pope makes his first appearance on the balcony a few minutes later, offering a first message to the people before blessing the city of Rome and the entire world with the Urbi et Orbi blessing.

For more information about the pope and his role in the Church, check out this article! 

 

Who Will Be The Next Pope? Some Predictions 

Top Contenders for the Papacy

Will it be someone on the younger side? Someone similar to Pope Francis? Someone from a previously unrepresented part of the world, like Asia or Africa? A few Cardinals top the list of the papabili, but who the next pope will be is known to God alone, and we must trust that the Holy Spirit will guide the decisions of the Cardinals. While it could be a complete surprise, here are a few possible frontrunners:

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

• (Age 60), an Italian Franciscan who served as Latin patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020. He spent 25 years ministering in the Holy Land and leads with excellent diplomatic tact. Cardinal Pizzaballa made headlines when he offered himself in exchange for the release of children taken captive by the Hamas terrorists. 

Cardinal Luis Tagle

• (Age 67), comes from the Philippines and is Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. He was Archbishop of Manila for nine years and is a leading face of the growing Asian Church. Although part of his administrative and Vatican career have been a bit controversial, he is considered an effective communicator and evangelist.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

• (Age 70), has been the Italian secretary of state during Pope Francis’s pontificate, making him one of the highest-ranking members of the Roman Curia that helps the pope to govern the Holy See. He will preside over the conclave inside the Sistine Chapel because both the dean and vice dean of the College of Cardinals are above age 80.

Cardinal Peter Erdo

• (Age 72), was named a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He has served as primate of Hungary since 2003, president of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe for ten years, and is a former seminary professor and administrator with a double doctorate in theology and canon law. 

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi

• (Age 69), an Italian, is archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian bishops’ conference. He was close to Pope Francis and, as his personal envoy, led a Vatican mission to promote peace during Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.

Cardinal Fridolin Besungu

• (Age 65), a Capuchin Franciscan and an Archbishop from the Congo in Africa, heading the diocese with the largest number of Catholics on the continent. A conservative, he took the lead in the response of African bishops regarding blessings for homosexual unions.

Cardinal Peter Turkson

• (Age 76), comes from Ghana, where he was Archbishop until 2009, although he has been in the Vatican since then. He served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, although now he is Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.

5 Things To Watch For During The Conclave

1. Votive Mass for the Election of a Roman Pontiff: In Latin, it is called the “Missa Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice.” This is the Mass that opens the papal conclave. It is celebrated inside St. Peter’s Basilica by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. You can view the livestream of this Mass via Catholic networks or catch a recap of photos and homily afterwards.
2. Black smoke: There will most likely be a few ballots of inconclusive voting before a candidate emerges with a ⅔ majority as new pope. After these rounds of the election process, the Cardinals will burn their ballots with a chemical that causes black smoke to come forth from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the outside world that a new pope has not yet been designated. Although the sight of dark smoke round after a voting round is somewhat disappointing to those expectantly watching the process, still, these signals mean that the process is moving along. Smoke from the Sistine Chapel will be visible twice a day, usually around noon and 7pm in Rome’s timezone (six hours ahead of America’s New York time). 
3. White smoke: Habemus Papam! When white smoke courses from the Sistine Chapel chimney, the next successor to St. Peter has been selected! The crowd in St. Peter’s Square goes wild with joy, the bells of Rome peal exultantly, and within the next hour we will learn who the new pope is. 
4. Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals: this is the religious prelate chosen to announce the new Holy Father to the world. He appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Square to tell us which Cardinal is becoming pope and what name he has chosen. The current protodeacon of the college of Cardinals (also known as the Senior Cardinal Deacon) is Cardinal Dominique Mamberti from France.
5. Opportunities to pray for the conclave & new pope: Offer prayers for the Cardinal electors and for the future pope each day! It is our duty to pray for the future of the Church, and you can do so through a rosary, a Mass intention, or even a quick, spontaneous prayer as you’re washing dishes. Be sure to join the novena for the Papal Conclave with Fr. Mike Schmitz on the Ascension app, as well!

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Conclaves In The Past

• The conclave of 1492 was the first to be held in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, where all papal conclaves have been held since then. 
• In the past, popes could be elected by acclamation—by being verbally nominated and all present unanimously agreeing that this person should be pope—but now, the process requires a secret ballot. 
• 1978 was the “Year of Three Popes” and two conclaves. Pope Paul VI died in early August 1976, after whom Pope John Paul I was elected. When Pope John Paul I died after reigning for only 33 days, the Cardinals convened yet again that year, less than two months later, to elect Cardinal Karol Wojtyla as Pope John Paul II.
• The longest conclave ever was … well, it was not even technically a conclave, because official conclave rules were established because of what happened … in 1268. It lasted under three years, a prolonged discussion marked by division and stalemate ending in 1271. Eventually, the magistrates locked the Cardinals in their meeting place (a palace in Viterbo), barred the doors and windows, and reduced their provisions to rations of bread and water. When this clear message to “just decide already!” did not bring about the intended urgency, they removed the hall's roof as a further incentive for the Cardinals to hurry up. They finally chose Pope Gregory X, who quickly reformed the conclave process to mandate that the Cardinals would vote daily in strict isolation and must produce a two-thirds majority. 
• The fastest conclave in history took just a few hours! In the autumn of 1503, Pope Julius II was elected with just one ballot. 
• The shortest conclave of the twentieth century was the one that elected Pope Pius XII in 1939. It only took three ballots, and he won on the first voting day. Another conclave in the twenty-first century was quite short, the one to elect Pope Benedict XVI, which took just 26 hours: four ballots total over two days.
• Not all conclaves have been held in Rome. Six conclaves were held in France; others have been held in Germany or in Italian cities besides Rome. 
• Are Cardinals allowed to multitask during conclaves? It seems they can, as long as it doesn’t break secrecy, and if the Cardinal in question happens to be very intellectual and high achieving, he just might … sound like Saint John Paul II? Yes, his biographer George Weigel reports that while the ballots were being counted during the conclave that elected him pope, the soon-to-be Pope John Paul II was reading a Marxist philosophical journal. We can see it as him cramming for one of the biggest assignments he would undertake as pope––dispelling the evils of Communism in Europe. 
• The conclave that elected Pope Francis was the first in almost two hundred years to be held during Lent.

For more information on the history of the papacy, check out this article!

 

How To Follow The 2025 Conclave Live

The 2025 Papal Conclave will be historic! All major Catholic outlets will be covering the events, the secular media will be keeping their eyes peeled, and there will be election watch livestreams on the internet with cameras fixed on the Sistine Chapel’s smoke signal chimney. If you’re wondering how you can be a part of this momentous event in Catholic history, here are some ways you can follow it!

• EWTN offers livestreams and on-demand content related to the conclave.
• Catholic News Agency, the news reporting division of EWTN, will share live updates throughout the coming days.
• Visit Relevant Radio’s papal conclave page to sign up for their SmokeWatch updates!
• Check Vatican News or the Vatican Media YouTube livestream.
• CatholicVote offers trustworthy news commentary, including special exclusive Vatican coverage during these days. 
• Major news networks will also stay abreast of the Papal Conclave because it is an event of interest to the entire world. 

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