The Catholic Church experiences moments of profound reflection and prayer whenever the Apostolic See becomes vacant, whether due to the death or resignation of the Pope. This period, far from being a void, is an opportunity for the Church to open itself to the action of the Holy Spirit, trusting in His guidance in electing the new leader of the Christian community. The death of a Pope, as Saint John Paul II so aptly expressed, is a moment of transition, but not of despair: “The Pope dies, Christ does not die.” In this article, we will explore the profound meaning of the conclave, the process of electing the Pope, and how this ancient tradition remains an act of faith, hope, and unity in the Church.

The Death of a Pope: A Time of Prayer, Hope, and Discernment

The recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has plunged the Church into a period of sede vacante. This is a time of sorrow, but also of profound reflection, in which Catholics around the world unite in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten the cardinals in their task of electing the new Pontiff. The death of a Pope, far from representing a leadership vacuum, is seen by the Church as an invitation to discern, pray, and await with hope the new successor of Saint Peter.

This process of prayer and discernment is central to the conclave, where the cardinals lock themselves in the Sistine Chapel to seek God’s will in the election of the next Pope.

What is a conclave?

The word “conclave” comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key,” and refers to the fact that cardinals, during the election process, are confined in a closed and guarded space to ensure the confidentiality and secrecy of the process. This symbolic act reflects the seriousness with which the Church approaches the responsibility of electing the spiritual leader of more than one billion Catholics worldwide.

The Conclave Process

1. Beginning of the Sede Vacant Period

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 due to complications from bilateral pneumonia that led to a stroke. After his death, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell verified his death and destroyed the Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal, marking the end of the pontificate. During the Sede Vacant Period, the Camerlengo, along with the Major Penitentiary, is responsible for the administration of the Holy See and preparing for the conclave. The Church enters a period of prayer, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the election of the new Pope.

2. General Congregations

Before the conclave begins, the cardinals meet in general congregations. These meetings are not binding on the election of the Pope, but they allow the cardinals to discuss the challenges facing the Church and the qualities the next Pontiff should possess. During this time, the cardinals pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and seek unity in their vision for the future of the Church.

3. Convocation of the Conclave

The conclave is formally convened by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The election should begin 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death, to allow for the arrival of all the cardinal electors in Rome. This waiting period, rather than a void, is an opportunity for the Church to prepare spiritually, strengthening its confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide the election of a new Pope.

4. The Voting Process

The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, a place steeped in history and spirituality. During the conclave, the cardinals lock themselves away and hold up to four votes a day (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). For a candidate to be elected, they must obtain two-thirds of the votes. If this threshold is not reached, further voting is held until consensus is reached.

This process is not merely a political or administrative act. Every vote, every deliberation, is wrapped in prayer and discernment. The election of the Pope is not based solely on the human qualities of the candidates, but also on the spiritual sensitivity of the cardinals, who seek God’s will.

5. The Announcement of the Election

Once the new Pope is elected, he is asked if he accepts the election and what name he wishes to adopt. If he accepts, he officially becomes the new Bishop of Rome and Successor of Saint Peter. The news of the election is announced through the famous rite of habemus papam, when the Protodeacon appears on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica and proclaims to the world: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam” (“I announce to you great joy: we have a Pope!”).

What Happens After the Election: The New Pope’s First Act

Once the conclave has elected the new Pope, a profound moment of prayer and reflection begins. Although the election process is over, the most solemn moment of the pontificate begins with the new Pope’s first steps.

The Room of Tears

After the proclamation of his election, the new Pope is led to the Room of Tears in the Apostolic Palace. This place is of great significance, as it is said to be where the Pope retreats briefly to reflect on the immense responsibility he has just assumed. It is said to be the space where, upon assuming papal power, the Pope has a private moment to weep and ask the Holy Spirit for the grace necessary to guide the Church. It is a rite full of symbolism, a moment of humility before the burden of his mission.

Visit to the Pauline Chapel

After this time of recollection in the Room of Tears, the Pope heads to the Pauline Chapel, located within the Vatican. In this sanctuary, the new Pope takes time to pray and place his pontificate under God’s protection. The Pauline Chapel is especially significant because the first papal Masses were celebrated there, and it is a place of intense prayer at the heart of the Church. It is in this space that the Pope entrusts himself to God, seeking the spiritual strength necessary to face the challenges that will arise during his pontificate.

Greeting the People from the Balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica

Finally, after these moments of prayer, the Pope emerges onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. This is a historic moment, not only because his election is officially confirmed, but because it is the Pope’s first contact with the Christian people. From there, the Pope addresses the faithful with a message of unity, hope, and mission. This act represents the Pope’s presence as spiritual guide of the universal Church, and his first public act marks the beginning of his pontificate.

The Importance of the Conclave

The conclave, beyond being a technical process, is an act of faith in which the Church submits to the action of the Holy Spirit. The election of the Pope is not simply a matter of ecclesiastical administration, but a moment of spiritual renewal for the Church. As Saint John Paul II states, “The Pope dies, Christ does not die.” The death of a Pope is not the end, but an invitation to renewal and hope in Christ, who is the unshakeable foundation of the Church.

During the conclave, the cardinals dedicate themselves to prayer, seeking God’s will and ensuring that the one chosen is truly the man who will guide the Church with wisdom, strength, and humility. The Holy Spirit, present in every vote, is the one who ultimately leads the Church to elect the new Successor of Peter, who will take the helm of the barque of Saint Peter in times of challenge and hope.

This is a time of prayer and trust that, as in every conclave, the Holy Spirit will guide the Church to a new Shepherd, who will continue to lead the faithful to Christ.

Sources

Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, Saint John Paul II, 1996
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Code of Canon Law
Vatican.va