By: Maya Vossen-Nelson

A pope is the bishop of Rome in the Catholic religion. Catholicism took root after Jesus Christ’s death spreading across the world as his followers formed a “universal” church with a bishop of Rome holding supremacy.

The pope is seen as the successor of Saint Peter, the first apostle, and a leader in establishing the church while living out Jesus’s teachings. The pope makes decisions on faith and morality issues which are considered binding on all Catholics. Given the pope’s role in advocating on social issues, the pope holds importance on an international scale, not only as the leader of the world’s Catholic Church and as the head of the Vatican City but also as a major voice in global affairs.

After a pope dies or resigns, a new pope must be elected. The pope is chosen at the Vatican in private gatherings of cardinals called conclaves. The happenings inside the conclave are considered sacred and surrounded with secrecy. During the period of selection, all the cardinals residing in the Vatican are not permitted any contact with the outside world.

 As of May 16, 2025, there are 252 cardinals and 135 of whom are cardinal electors. The cardinal electors represent all seven continents and 71 countries. When selecting a new pope the cardinal electors consider factors such as their ability to unify the church and navigate modern challenges. The cardinals debate and vote for their preferred candidate until an individual gets a two thirds majority.

Once a candidate receives a two thirds majority vote, the dean of the College of Cardinals informs the prospective pope and asks him if he accepts the position. Once the new pope accepts, the ballots of the final round of voting are burned with chemicals producing the iconic white smoke that billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney and signals the election of a new pope. This is a very ceremonious moment for Catholics and people will begin to gather to await the announcement of the new pope’s identity.

Inside the Apostolic Palace, a document will be drawn up certifying the elected cardinal has agreed to become the new pope. The voting cardinals then approach the newly elected pope and make acts of homage and obedience. Finally, the pope is taken into the Room of Tears where he chooses his papal name and is dressed in papal vestments before appearing before the city of Rome on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.