When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church gathers to choose his successor in a highly structured and deeply symbolic process known as a conclave. Here’s a straightforward, alphabetical guide to help you navigate the unique language of this ancient tradition:
A – Apostolic Constitution
A key type of papal document that sets the rules for papal elections, like Universi Dominici Gregis (1996) and Normas Nonnullas (2013), which currently guide the process.
B – Ballot
The physical paper each cardinal uses to cast his vote for the new pope. Ballots are burned after each voting session, producing the famous black or white smoke.
C – Conclave
From the Latin cum clave (meaning “with a key”), this refers to the locked gathering of cardinal-electors in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope.
D – Dean of the College of Cardinals
The senior cardinal among the electors, who presides over the conclave but cannot vote if he is over 80.
E – Electors
Cardinals under the age of 80 who are eligible to vote in the conclave. The number of electors is this conclave adds up to 133.
F – Fumata
Italian for “smoke.” The color of the smoke signals the result of the vote: black for no decision, white for a successful election.
G – General Congregation
Meetings held before the conclave begins, where all cardinals (including those over 80) discuss the state of the Church and the needs of the next pope.
H – Habemus Papam
Latin for we have a pope. This is the traditional announcement made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica once a new pope has been elected.
I – In pectore
Latin for in the heart. A pope can name a cardinal in secret if revealing the name would endanger the individual or their ministry.
J – Jure Divino
A phrase meaning by divine law. It reflects the belief that the authority of the papacy comes from Christ himself, not just human decision.
K – Kiss of Peace
A ceremonial greeting shared among the cardinals after the new pope accepts his election.
M – Majority
The required majority to elect a pope. Currently set at a two-thirds vote among the cardinal-electors. This year that will be 89 votes.
N – Name
Upon accepting his election, the new pope chooses a regnal name, often inspired by a previous pope or saint.
O – Ordo Rituum Conclavis
The official liturgical guide for the conclave’s ceremonies, including the Veni Creator Spiritus hymn sung at the beginning of the voting process.
P – Protodeacon
The senior cardinal deacon, who traditionally announces Habemus Papam from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Q – Quorum
The minimum number of cardinal-electors required to proceed with the conclave. Currently, two-thirds of the electors must be present.
R – Room of Tears
The small room next to the Sistine Chapel where the newly elected pope dons his papal vestments for the first time. It’s named for the overwhelming emotion many new popes reportedly feel at this moment.
S – Scrutiny
The formal process of casting and counting ballots in the conclave.
T – Traditio Symboli
The handing over of the symbol, referring to the moment when the new pope is vested in the papal garments.
V – Veni Creator Spiritus
The hymn sung by the cardinal-electors as they prepare to vote, invoking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
W – White Smoke
The signal that a pope has been elected. Created by burning the ballots with a chemical additive in the Sistine Chapel stove.
Z – Zucchetto
The small, white skullcap worn by the pope, symbolizing his role as the Bishop of Rome.
