The election of a new pope is steeped in centuries-old traditions, conducted in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy. After the Novendiale, the cardinals, including India’s four, will gather for the conclave, isolated from the outside world to ensure an impartial process. The voting, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, requires a two-thirds majority to elect a pope.
Each day, up to four rounds of voting occur. Cardinals write their chosen candidate’s name on a ballot, which is placed in a chalice beneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. The votes are counted aloud by three designated cardinals. If no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the ballots are burned with chemicals producing black smoke, signaling to the world that no pope has been chosen. This black smoke, visible from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, indicates that voting will continue.
When a candidate achieves the required majority, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks if he accepts the election. Upon acceptance, the new pope chooses a papal name, dons the traditional vestments, and the ballots are burned with chemicals producing white smoke. This white smoke announces to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square that “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”). A cardinal then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to proclaim the new pope’s name, who delivers his first address. The conclave is expected to begin in early May 2025, with India’s cardinals playing a pivotal role.
As the Sistine Chapel’s chimney prepares to emit black or white smoke, the world watches with anticipation. India’s four cardinals—each representing a unique facet of the country’s rich Christian heritage—stand ready to influence the Catholic Church’s future. Their votes will not only choose the next pope but also carry forward Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion, reform, and inclusivity. In this moment of transition, India’s presence in the conclave is a testament to its growing role in shaping global Christianity.
