Cardinals swear oath in Sistine Chapel to elect new pope in historic conclave

On a crisp May morning in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel’s hallowed walls echoed with the solemn voices of 133 cardinals, united in a sacred oath to elect the next pope. This ancient ritual, steeped in centuries of tradition, marks the start of the conclave, a secretive process that will determine the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The cardinals, representing diverse nations and perspectives, gathered under Michelangelo’s frescoes, their voices blending in Latin as they pledged to uphold the rules set forth by Pope John Paul II in 1996. Their vow binds them to secrecy and fidelity, ensuring the sanctity of the papal election.

The conclave, a word derived from the Latin “cum clave” meaning “with a key,” reflects the cardinals’ seclusion from the outside world. This isolation, enforced to protect the process from external influence, underscores the gravity of their task. The oath, read by the most senior cardinal, is a public declaration of their commitment to the Church’s mission. Key elements of the vow include:

• Following the conclave’s strict protocols as outlined in the 1996 document Universi Dominici Gregis.
• Ensuring the chosen pope defends the spiritual and temporal rights of the Holy See.
• Maintaining absolute secrecy about the proceedings, with notes and ballots burned daily.
• Upholding the legacy of St. Peter, the first pontiff, in guiding the Church’s future.

This moment, both ceremonial and profound, sets the stage for days of prayer, discussion, and voting. The world watches, awaiting the white smoke that will signal a new pope’s election.

Oath anchors sacred tradition

The cardinals’ oath, recited in the Sistine Chapel, is more than a formality; it is the cornerstone of the conclave’s integrity. Rooted in centuries-old practices, the vow ensures that the election remains untainted by external pressures. The 1996 document by Pope John Paul II, Universi Dominici Gregis, provides the blueprint for this process, detailing everything from the oath’s wording to the destruction of ballots. This text, still in use in 2025, emphasizes the need for secrecy and independence, shielding the cardinals from modern distractions like media or political influence.

Each cardinal, after the senior member reads the oath, approaches the altar to place their hand on the Gospels, affirming their pledge. This act, performed under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, carries immense spiritual weight. The vow’s emphasis on secrecy is particularly significant, as it forbids cardinals from discussing the conclave’s proceedings unless permitted by the new pope. In past conclaves, this rule has preserved the mystique of the process, with only the burning of ballots—producing black or white smoke—offering clues to the outside world.

The oath also binds the cardinals to select a pope who will uphold the Church’s mission. This includes defending the Holy See’s rights, both spiritual (guiding the faithful) and temporal (managing the Vatican’s sovereignty). For the 133 cardinals, this moment is a reminder of their role in shaping the Church’s future.

Sistine Chapel’s role in history

The Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking frescoes, has been the conclave’s home since 1492, when Pope Alexander VI was elected. Its selection as the venue reflects its spiritual and symbolic importance. The chapel’s ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, depicts scenes from Genesis, while the Last Judgment on the altar wall serves as a stark reminder of divine accountability. For cardinals, the setting is both inspiring and humbling, reinforcing the gravity of their decision.

Historically, the Sistine Chapel has witnessed moments of profound change. The 2005 conclave, which elected Pope Benedict XVI, and the 2013 conclave, which chose Pope Francis, both unfolded within its walls. In 2025, the chapel remains unchanged, its beauty and solemnity unaltered by time. The cardinals’ oath, recited in Latin, resonates with the same words used decades ago, linking the present to a timeless tradition.

The chapel’s role extends beyond aesthetics. Its isolation—reinforced by security measures like signal-jamming devices—ensures the conclave remains free from external interference. This seclusion, a hallmark of the process, allows cardinals to focus solely on their spiritual duty. The Sistine Chapel, in this sense, is both a sanctuary and a fortress, safeguarding the Church’s most sacred ritual.

Secrecy defines the process

Secrecy is the conclave’s defining feature, enshrined in the cardinals’ oath and enforced through strict protocols. The 1996 rules mandate that all discussions, votes, and notes remain confidential, with ballots burned after each voting session. This practice, which produces the famous black smoke (indicating no pope has been elected) or white smoke (signaling a new pope), dates back centuries. The smoke, created by mixing chemicals with the ballots, is one of the few signals the outside world receives.

To maintain confidentiality, the cardinals are sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a Vatican guesthouse, and the Sistine Chapel is swept for recording devices. Support staff, including cooks and cleaners, also swear oaths of secrecy. Violations carry severe penalties, including excommunication. These measures reflect the Church’s determination to protect the conclave’s integrity, ensuring the cardinals’ decisions are guided by faith alone.

The emphasis on secrecy also shapes the cardinals’ mindset. Free from external pressures, they can deliberate candidly, weighing each candidate’s merits. This isolation fosters an environment of prayer and reflection, aligning with the conclave’s spiritual purpose.

Voting unfolds with precision

The conclave’s voting process, governed by Universi Dominici Gregis, is meticulous and deliberate. After the oath, cardinals begin casting ballots, with up to four votes per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a rectangular ballot, disguising their handwriting to ensure anonymity. The ballots are then counted and burned, with the results announced to the cardinals.

A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope. If no candidate achieves this after several rounds, the cardinals may hold a runoff between the two leading candidates, where a simple majority suffices. This process, though time-consuming, ensures consensus among the cardinals. In 2025, with 133 electors, the threshold for election is 89 votes, a high bar that demands broad support.

The voting is interspersed with moments of prayer and reflection, allowing cardinals to seek divine guidance. The Sistine Chapel’s atmosphere, heavy with history and art, amplifies the solemnity of each ballot. The process continues until a pope is chosen, with the world awaiting the outcome through the chimney’s smoke.

Global diversity among electors

The 133 cardinals in the 2025 conclave hail from every continent, reflecting the Church’s global reach. Europe remains the largest bloc, with 54 cardinals, followed by Africa (24), Asia (22), Latin America (21), North America (10), and Oceania (2). This diversity, a hallmark of recent conclaves, ensures a wide range of perspectives in the election.

The cardinals’ backgrounds vary widely:

• Some, like those from Africa, prioritize issues like poverty and evangelization.
• European cardinals often focus on secularism and the Church’s role in modern society.
• Asian cardinals bring insights into interfaith dialogue and rapid Church growth.
• Latin American cardinals emphasize social justice and pastoral care.
• North American and Oceanian cardinals address challenges like declining church attendance.

This mix shapes the conclave’s discussions, as cardinals debate the qualities needed in the next pope. The diversity also reflects Pope Francis’s efforts to globalize the College of Cardinals, appointing electors from underrepresented regions.

Challenges facing the electors

The cardinals face a complex task in choosing a pope to lead the Church’s 1.4 billion faithful. The next pontiff must navigate issues like declining vocations, interfaith tensions, and the Church’s role in addressing global crises. The conclave’s discussions, though secret, likely center on candidates who can balance tradition with innovation.

Geopolitical factors also play a role. The Church’s influence in regions like Africa and Asia is growing, while Europe and North America face secularization. The cardinals must consider whether the next pope should come from a region of growth or one of historical significance. The oath, with its emphasis on defending the Holy See, underscores the need for a leader who can protect the Church’s autonomy.

The cardinals’ deliberations are further complicated by the need for unity. With such a diverse group, achieving a two-thirds majority requires compromise and dialogue. The Sistine Chapel, with its sacred atmosphere, provides the space for these discussions to unfold.

Rituals enhance solemnity

The conclave is rich with rituals that elevate its spiritual significance. Beyond the oath, cardinals participate in daily Masses and prayers, seeking divine guidance. The Adsumus Domine hymn, sung before voting, invokes the Holy Spirit’s presence. These moments of worship, held in the Sistine Chapel, reinforce the conclave’s sacred purpose.

The burning of ballots, a ritual unchanged for centuries, is both practical and symbolic. The smoke, visible from St. Peter’s Square, connects the cardinals’ work to the faithful waiting outside. The use of chemicals to produce black or white smoke ensures clarity, avoiding the confusion of past conclaves when smoke color was ambiguous.

Other rituals include the sealing of the conclave, where cardinals are locked in to prevent external contact. This practice, though modified with modern accommodations like the Domus Sanctae Marthae, preserves the conclave’s isolation. These traditions, woven into the process, create a sense of continuity with the Church’s past.

Public anticipation builds

Outside the Vatican, the faithful and curious gather in St. Peter’s Square, awaiting news of the conclave’s outcome. The chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, a focal point for onlookers, draws crowds eager to see the smoke. News outlets from around the world broadcast live updates, speculating on the timing and potential candidates.

The public’s interest reflects the conclave’s global significance. For Catholics, the election of a pope is a moment of spiritual renewal, while for others, it represents a shift in one of the world’s oldest institutions. Social media platforms buzz with discussions, with hashtags like #Conclave2025 trending as users share images of the Vatican.

The anticipation is heightened by the unpredictability of the process. Unlike secular elections, the conclave offers no polls or campaigns, leaving the outcome shrouded in mystery. The faithful, gathered in prayer vigils, express hope for a pope who will address their concerns, from social justice to spiritual guidance.

Historical precedents guide process

The 2025 conclave draws on centuries of precedent, with each election refining the process. The 1978 conclave, which elected Pope John Paul II, marked a shift toward non-Italian popes, a trend continued with Benedict XVI and Francis. These elections, held in the Sistine Chapel, demonstrate the enduring relevance of the conclave’s structure.

Past conclaves have varied in length, from a single day (2005) to several days (2013). The 2025 conclave, with its large and diverse electorate, may require multiple rounds of voting to reach consensus. Historical records, preserved in Vatican archives, show that conclaves often involve intense debate, with cardinals balancing theological and practical considerations.

The oath, a constant across conclaves, ties the 2025 election to its predecessors. By pledging to uphold the Church’s mission, cardinals honor the legacy of past popes while shaping the future. The Sistine Chapel, as the unchanging backdrop, reinforces this connection to history.

Modern measures ensure security

In 2025, the conclave incorporates modern technology to protect its secrecy. The Sistine Chapel is equipped with signal-jamming devices to block unauthorized communications. Security personnel sweep the area for bugs, and cardinals are prohibited from bringing electronic devices. These measures, introduced in recent decades, reflect the Church’s adaptation to a digital age.

The Domus Sanctae Marthae, where cardinals reside, is similarly secured. Access is restricted to authorized personnel, all of whom take oaths of secrecy. These precautions ensure that the conclave remains a closed system, free from leaks or interference. The Church’s investment in security underscores the importance of maintaining the process’s integrity.

Despite these modern additions, the conclave’s core remains traditional. The oath, voting, and rituals are unchanged, preserving the balance between past and present. This blend of old and new defines the 2025 conclave, as cardinals navigate a timeless task in a modern world.