What are the Rules of the Conclave?

With the conclave officially underway, Patrick Madrid offers a compelling overview of how the Church selects the next pope on The Patrick Madrid Show. From the symbolism of the empty chair to the sacred tradition of secret voting, he walks listeners through the intense, prayerful process of electing a new successor to St. Peter. 🕊️

Patrick began with a lesson in Catholic vocabulary. Sede vacante means “the chair is empty,” specifically referring to the Chair of Peter, a symbol of authority that goes back to the New Testament. Drawing on Matthew 23, Patrick explains how Jesus referenced the Chair of Moses, connecting it to the authority vested in the papacy.

For those who’ve heard of “sedevacantists,” Patrick clarified: These are people who believe the Church hasn’t had a legitimate pope since 1958. Patrick addresses this claim with clarity, reminding listeners that the Chair of Peter remains divinely protected.

The conclave typically begins 15–20 days after a pope dies or resigns. The cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel and are effectively cut off from the world—no phones, no communication, and an oath of absolute secrecy sworn on the Gospels.

Patrick detailed the voting process:

• The cardinals vote up to four times a day.
• A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected.
• If no one reaches the required majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical packet to produce black smoke, signaling no decision.
• After 33–34 rounds of voting, the process may shift to a simple majority to expedite the decision.

If a candidate accepts the papacy, the smoke will be white, and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica ring out, announcing to the world: Habemus Papam!

Once a cardinal says yes to the papacy, he steps into the Room of Tears. This small chamber is where he dons the white papal cassock, available in small, medium, and large sizes. The room is aptly named, as it is common for the new pope to shed tears, aware that the weight of accepting the papacy is immense, and he now bears a tremendous burden.

Patrick wrapped up by reminding listeners that the conclave isn’t just an election—it’s a tradition steeped in 2,000 years of sacred history. The formal conclave system began in the 1200s, but the selection of the pope dates back to the apostolic era when Peter himself was appointed by Christ.

This sacred ritual is more than a vote; it’s a moment of divine discernment, when the Church entrusts itself to the Holy Spirit to guide her choice.

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At this pivotal moment in our Church history, don’t just observe the conclave – understand it, experience it, and pray through it with Relevant Radio at Conclave2025.com.