Watching a new pope emerge from the Sistine Chapel is a once-in-a-generation event, rich with tradition and pageantry. This guide walks you through the entire process, from the Pope’s death or resignation to the white smoke, so you can follow along with confidence and understanding. Whether you’re a history buff, a Catholic, or just curious, here’s everything you need to know to “see” the new pope as it happens.
Ingredients
- 1 papal conclave (typically held 15–20 days after the see becomes vacant)
- 1 Sistine Chapel (with chimney and stove for burning ballots)
- 115–120 cardinal electors (under age 80, from around the world)
- 2 rounds of voting per morning and afternoon session (up to 4 ballots per day)
- White smoke (from burning ballots with a chemical additive) – for announcement
- Black smoke (from burning ballots without additive) – for no decision
- 1 balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica (for the “Habemus Papam” announcement)
- Optional: live stream or news coverage (for remote viewing)
Instructions
- Know the vacancy: The process begins when the pope dies or resigns. The Camerlengo confirms the death (or accepts the resignation) and the see is declared vacant (sede vacante). The conclave must start within 15–20 days, giving cardinals time to travel to Rome.
- Follow the pre-conclave meetings: In the days before the conclave, cardinals hold general congregations to discuss the Church’s needs. These are private, but the Vatican issues brief updates. Watch for these to get a sense of the issues at stake.
- Watch the procession: On the morning of the conclave, the cardinal electors gather in St. Peter’s Basilica for Mass, then process to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Litany of the Saints. This is broadcast live—look for the colorful vestments and the choir.
- Understand the oath: Inside the chapel, the cardinals take an oath of secrecy and to follow the rules. The master of ceremonies then calls out “Extra omnes!” (Everyone out!), sealing the doors. The conclave is now in session.
- Follow the voting schedule: Each day, there are two voting sessions (morning and afternoon), with up to two ballots per session. After each ballot, the ballots are burned. If no pope is elected, the smoke is black. If a pope is elected, the smoke is white (and bells ring).
- Watch the smoke signals: The smoke comes from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke (with a chemical additive) means no decision. White smoke (with a different additive) means a pope has been elected. The bells of St. Peter’s also ring to confirm the white smoke—this is the most reliable signal.
- Wait for the announcement: After the white smoke, the cardinal electors vote on a name and prepare for the announcement. Typically, this takes 30–60 minutes. The senior cardinal deacon appears on the balcony and says, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus papam!” (I announce to you a great joy: we have a pope!).
- See the new pope: The new pope then appears on the balcony, wearing white vestments. He gives his first blessing (Urbi et Orbi) and often says a few words in Italian or another language. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for—enjoy it!
Tips
- Use multiple sources: The Vatican’s official news service (Vatican News) and major news networks (BBC, CNN, EWTN) provide live coverage with expert commentary. Follow at least two to get different perspectives.
- Learn the smoke schedule: Voting sessions typically start at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM Rome time. Check the local time in your timezone so you don’t miss the smoke signals.
- Know the two-thirds rule: A pope is elected with a two-thirds majority (e.g., 77 votes out of 115). If no one reaches that, the ballots are burned with black smoke. After 34 ballots, the rules may change to a simple majority, but this is rare.
- Be patient: Conclaves can last from a few days to a few weeks. The longest in modern times was 3 days (2005), but some have lasted longer. Don’t expect an immediate result.
Serving Suggestions
This guide is best enjoyed with a group of friends or family, whether you’re watching live or discussing the events. Serve with Italian coffee (espresso or cappuccino) and some biscotti to keep the mood festive. If you’re watching late at night (depending on your timezone), have a snack ready—the announcement can come at any hour.
Variations
- For the casual viewer: Skip the pre-conclave meetings and just tune in for the smoke signals and the announcement. You’ll still get the full experience.
- For the history enthusiast: Read up on past conclaves (e.g., 2013, 2005) to compare the rituals and the speed of the election. Note that the 2013 conclave lasted only 2 days.
- For the tech-savvy: Use the Vatican’s official app or social media feeds for real-time updates. Some sites offer live blogs with expert analysis.
- For the traveler: If you’re in Rome, you can join the crowds in St. Peter’s Square. Arrive early, especially on the day of the white smoke, as the square fills up quickly.
Storage and Reheating
This guide is not a physical dish, but the experience can be “stored” in your memory. For future reference, bookmark this page or save the key dates. If you want to re-watch the announcement, most news networks archive their live streams. The Vatican’s official YouTube channel also posts highlights. For the next conclave, you can revisit this guide—the process is unlikely to change significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a conclave usually last? It varies. The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted only 2 days (5 ballots). The 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI lasted 3 days (4 ballots). Some conclaves in history have lasted weeks, but modern ones are usually under a week.
What does the white smoke actually contain? The smoke is from burning the ballots, but a chemical additive (usually a mix of potassium chlorate and lactose) is used to make it white. The black smoke comes from burning the ballots without the additive, plus wet straw or other materials to darken it.
Can anyone attend the conclave? No. Only the cardinal electors and a few officials (like the master of ceremonies and the secretary of the conclave) are allowed inside. The cardinals are sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse, and cannot communicate with the outside world.
What if the pope resigns? The process is the same as if he dies, except the resignation is accepted by the cardinals. The see becomes vacant immediately, and the conclave begins within 15–20 days. Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013 was the first in nearly 600 years.
How is the new pope’s name chosen? The pope chooses his name, often in honor of a saint or a previous pope. For example, Pope Francis chose the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. The name is announced after the white smoke, but it’s not revealed until the pope appears on the balcony.
What if the pope is not a cardinal? In theory, any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope, but in practice, the cardinals almost always elect one of their own. The last pope not to be a cardinal was Pope Urban VI in 1378, who was an archbishop.
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