Students in Mr. Paul Stuligross’s ‘82 Theology Class had a unique approach to learning about the Papal Conclave.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in honor of the start of the conclave, students participated in a “Pope Madness - Sweet Sistine Edition” bracket to predict the next pope.

As part of the activity, students broke into groups and selected cardinals they believed had a chance of being elected. Each group researched their cardinal’s background, including the cardinal’s country of origin, the Catholic population in that region, and the cardinal’s stance on key Catholic issues. After presenting their findings, the class voted on who they believed was most likely to be chosen as the next pope.

The Catholic Church began the process of electing its 267th pope on May 7, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.  

Known as a conclave, this election brings together cardinals from around the world in a private and carefully structured process that has been in place for centuries.

Here’s a look at what students learned regarding the conclave and how a new pope receives his name.

What Is a Conclave?

The term conclave refers to the closed-door meeting where eligible cardinals vote to elect a new pope. It takes place in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican and is meant to ensure that the decision is made without outside influence. The cardinals live in a secure section of the Vatican for the duration of the conclave, without access to phones, email, or media.

This year’s conclave follows nine days of prayer and mourning, known as the Novemdiales, which honor the late pope and offer Masses for the repose of his soul.

Who Votes?

Of the approximately 180 cardinals currently in Rome, just over 100 are electors. They are responsible for selecting the next leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

The Process

The conclave begins with a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, asking for guidance in the election. Later that day, the Cardinal electors walk in procession to the Sistine Chapel. Before voting begins, each one takes an oath to uphold the rules of the conclave, maintain secrecy, and vote according to their conscience.

Once everyone who isn’t part of the election is asked to leave the chapel (extra omnes), the cardinals receive a spiritual reflection and a reminder of the responsibilities they carry. After that, the doors are closed, and voting begins.

Voting Rules

To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes. If voting starts on the first afternoon, only one ballot is cast. In the following days, the cardinals vote up to four times a day; twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

After each round, the ballots are burned in a stove within the chapel. If no pope is elected, black smoke rises from the chimney. When a pope is elected, white smoke is released, signaling to the world that the Church has a new leader.

If no candidate is chosen after several days of voting, the cardinals take a short break for prayer and conversation before resuming the process.

Naming the New Pope

Once a candidate receives the required votes, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks him whether he accepts the role. If he says yes, the next question is: “By what name do you wish to be called?”

The newly elected pope chooses a name that will define his papacy. Some select a name used by past popes they admire, while others choose a name that reflects the priorities or tone they hope to bring to the role. For example, Pope Francis chose his name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his humility and concern for the poor.

The name and acceptance are formally recorded by the officials present, and at that moment, the new pope assumes full authority as the head of the Catholic Church.

Public Announcement

Once the process is complete, the Cardinal electors offer their respect and prayers to the new pope. Then, the Cardinal Proto-Deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce: “Habemus Papam” – “We have a Pope.”

The new pope then steps forward and offers his first blessing as the leader of the Church, known as the Urbi et Orbi blessing, meaning “to the city and to the world.”

In the days that follow, the new pope will begin his public ministry and later take formal possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome.