Following the death of Pope Francis – on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 – Catholics around the world mourned the loss of beloved Pontificals, while hundreds of thousands of people went to Rome – including world leaders – for his funeral. Now, the Catholic Church has to decide who will be his successor to Vaticanthe next Priest.
The election of the new Pope is one of the most secret and decisive processes in the Vatican. On the afternoon of May 7, the Cardinals will enter the Sistina hats to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. Overall 133 cardinals will take part in Highly secret ballot – known as the conception – with A majority required 2/3.
From three -year -olds, to strict diets to prevent secret messages and the iconic chimney of the Sistina cape, there are 10 details of the most secret – and at the same time exciting – electoral process in the world you may not know.
1. The longevity of the concentration lasted nearly three years
There is no time limit for how much a conclave can last. On the first day there is a vote. If there is no effect, the next two days there are two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon.
If after three days there is no effect yet, a day of pause is allowed for prayer and discussions – and this pattern can continue until the cardinals come to a name.
The longest -running concussion occurred in 1268after his death Pope Clement II, and lasted 1,006 days. Political, religious and family disputes prevented the majority.
Eventually, the complete isolation of the cardinals resulted in 1271 with the election of Pope Gregory I ‘. From there began the rigorous process we know today.
2. Cardinals on a strict diet to prevent hidden messages through dishes
In the past, there have been attempts to communicate with the cardinals through food – hidden messages in to pies or chickens. This is why such foods as well as metal utensils are now prohibited.
Following tradition, nuns are preparing simple, local foods like Lamb skewers, spaghetti and boiled vegetables.
3. Tobacco informs the world of the election of a new Pope
After each vote, the ballots are burning. If Pope has been elected, white tobacco It emerges from the chimney of the Sistina Hat. If not, a mixture of chemicals is added to produce black smoke. On the contrary, white tobacco is created with another mixture, marking the election.
On May 2, firefighters placed the special chimney for the start of Conclavium.
4. Conclave attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors
Rome is expected to accept hundreds of thousands of visitors waiting to see the smoke from the chimney.
In accordance with Forbesflight searches from US to Rome increased by 345%, while by Mexico by 1000%.
To Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26 was attended by about 400,000 people. Over 100,000 were found in the 2013 Conquerment, when Pope Francis was elected.
5. The next Pope does not need to be cardinal
Although all the popes in recent years have been cardinals, that not necessary.
The last one elected without being a cardinal was Urban V ‘in 1378. In practice, any baptized Catholic man can become a Pope.
6. The word conclave comes from the Latin
The Conclave of 1268–71 led Pope Gregory I ‘to establish in 1274 the strict isolation rules. The word comes from the phrase cum clave (with key), That is, the cardinals are closed in, cut off from any external influence.
7. Conclave was not always done in Sistina hats
Although since 1878 all the badges are done there, this was not always the rule. The first was there in 1492.
In the past, there were 15 concussions outside Rome, even outside Italy – eg. in France (1314–16) and Germany (1415–17).
8. Only cardinals under 80 years of age vote
Of the 252 cardinals, only 135 are under 80 and are entitled to participate. This rule was established in 1970 by Pope Paul VI. The ideal is not to exceed 120 electors. On May 7, 2025, 133 cardinals will vote.
9. Electors may refuse participation
Although 76 years old and below the limit, Cardinal Angelo Betsiou resigned from the right to participate on April 29, “for the good of the Church”.
He had been convicted in 2023 for embezzlement, he is saying innocent. In 2020, Pope Francis had dismissed him from his post.
10. Conclaims have inspired books and movies
OR Conclave movie of 2024based on the 2016 homonymous novel, he had great success after Francis’ death, with a 283% increase in screenings. He also won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The The Two Popes (2019) Referring to the transition from Pope Benedict to Francis, a 417% increase in views.
Information from Time