What is a Conclave? Understanding the Papal election process

 

An extraordinary event is about to unfold in the heart of Vatican City in the next few days: the Conclave to elect a new Pope is slated to start on May 7, 2025. The recent passing of Pope Francis has set in motion an ancient tradition that will soon captivate the world’s attention. If you’ve watched the popular film “Conclave” released last year — which some viewers noted seemed to eerily foreshadow Pope Francis’s death — you may already have some familiarity with this process.

This solemn event occurring within Vatican City significantly impacts the Eternal City’s rhythm and accessibility: it’s important to know how it will affect travelers and locals alike!

This post will guide you through what a Conclave is, how it affects your visit to Rome, and some fascinating historical peculiarities from past papal elections.

What exactly is a conclave?

The term “conclave“ comes from the Latin phrase cum clave, meaning “with a key,” referencing the traditional locking in of Cardinal electors until they choose a new Pope. It is the assembly of Cardinals of the Catholic Church who gather to elect the Bishop of Rome, more commonly known as the Pope.

The Conclave has Cardinals from around the world arrive in Rome to start the election of a new Pope. During this interim period, the Church is led by the Camerlengo (Chamberlain), who manages administrative affairs but cannot make major decisions.

The Cardinals eligible to vote — those under 80 years of age — will enter the Sistine Chapel, where they will remain sequestered (remember the key we just mentioned?) from the outside world until they elect a new Pope. This seclusion ensures that the election remains free from external influence.

How does the conclave affect Rome and its visitors?

Despite taking place in Vatican City — a separate sovereign state — the Conclave profoundly affects Rome and its visitors in several ways:

• Increased security: the most immediate impact for tourists is the amount of police in the city center. Don’t freak out if you see machine guns!
• Closure of certain attractions: the Sistine Chapel will be completely closed to visitors throughout the Conclave as it transforms into the sacred election hall where Cardinals cast their votes. The Vatican Museums will remain open during the Conclave, but with modified routes that bypass the Sistine Chapel, which is visited at the end of any tour. Expect bigger crowds at St. Mary Major, where Pope Francis has been buried, and don’t be surprised if certain parts of that basilica, or St. Peter’s, close down all of a sudden – it may be tied to the Conclave!
• Increased crowds: Rome experiences a significant influx of visitors during a Conclave. Pilgrims, journalists, and curious travelers arrive in large numbers, hoping to witness history unfold. This means that hotels even in less touristy areas will be fully booked, restaurants and cafés near St. Peter’s Basilica and throughout the city center will be busier (it’s a good idea to book your table beforehand, especially if you mean to celebrate a special occasion for, say, dinner), and public transportation may be more crowded than usual.

The “Fumata” spectacle

Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Conclave is the “fumata” — the smoke signals that emerge from the Sistine Chapel chimney. After each round of voting:

• Black smoke (fumata nera) indicates no Pope has been elected
• White smoke (fumata bianca) announces a successful election

When white smoke appears, thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square to await the famous announcement from the central balcony: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”). This moment offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness a centuries-old tradition and potentially see the new Pope’s first appearance and blessing.

Impact on Rome’s religious life

The pontiff holds a special relationship with the city of Rome. The Pope is not only the sovereign of Vatican City but also:

• The Bishop of the Diocese of Rome
• The titular head of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano), which is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome
• A figure whose decisions directly impact religious celebrations, processions, and practices, even political ones, throughout the city

Therefore, even when Romans are not practicing catholics, they are extremely aware of the election of the new Pope and they look with interest at the decisions of the Conclave.

How long does a Conclave last?

Every Conclave is different. Throughout history, the longest one has lasted two years, nine months, between 1268 and 1271 in what was the Papal seat at the time – Viterbo, north of Rome. The decision was finally taken when frustrated townspeople removed the roof of the papal palace where the Cardinals were meeting and reduced their food to bread and water to encourage a decision.

Extreme events aside, modern Conclaves have lasted from just a few days to a few weeks, with current indications pointing to a swift decision. However, there is no way to predict the length of any specific Conclave. Visitors should account for the possibility of the Sistine Chapel remaining closed for anywhere from two days to potentially a week or longer.

Tips for visitors during the conclave

If you’re visiting Rome during this historic period, consider these suggestions:

• Experience the atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square during voting periods, when crowds gather to watch for smoke signals
• Visit Rome’s other papal basilicas, which remain open during the Conclave:

1. St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano the Pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome)
2. St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
3. St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo fuori le Mura)

• Consider viewing the new Pope’s first appearance if you’re fortunate enough to be in Rome when white smoke appears
• Book accommodations and transportation well in advance if you know you’ll be visiting during this period!