White Smoke, High Stakes: 133 Cardinals, Zero Phones, One New Pope Incoming — Breaking down the history & the process of the papal.

As of May 7, 2025, the papal conclave has officially commenced in the Sistine Chapel, with 133 cardinals from over 70 countries gathering to elect the successor to Pope Francis. The first vote concluded without a decision, signaled by the traditional black smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney .

A Brief History of the Papal Conclave

The term “conclave” comes from the Latin, meaning “with a key,” reflecting the practice of locking the cardinals in seclusion until a new pope is elected. This tradition was formalized in 1274 by Pope Gregory X after a nearly three-year-long papal election in Viterbo, which was the longest in Church history. Frustrated by the delay, local authorities even removed the roof of the building to hasten a decision. In response, Pope Gregory X established strict procedures to ensure a more efficient election process .

The 2025 Conclave: Tradition Meets Modernity

The current conclave is notable for its diversity, being the largest and most geographically varied in history. Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 133 cardinal-electors, many from non-traditional and marginalized regions .

To maintain the secrecy of the proceedings, the Vatican has implemented advanced security measures, including signal-blocking technology and surveillance systems, ensuring that the deliberations remain confidential .

The election process requires a two-thirds majority, meaning at least 89 votes are needed to elect the new pope. Voting occurs in multiple rounds each day, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signaling a successful election. The conclave is expected to continue for several days until a consensus is reached .

As the world watches and waits, the cardinals deliberate on choosing a leader who can navigate the complexities of modern challenges while upholding the traditions of the Catholic Church.