How long will it take for a new pope to be elected? How past conclaves fared
Due to the political divide within the Catholic Church, this conclave may take longer than usual, Matthew Gabriele, a medieval studies professor at Virginia Tech, said.
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Thousands of onlookers have gathered in Vatican City, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get a first look at the Catholic Church's new pope. But just how long will they need to stand around waiting?
On Wednesday, May 7, the College of Cardinals − bishops and other senior Vatican officials − will gather to begin what's known as a papal conclave, which is the election to select a new pope.
Though much pomp and circumstance is part of a papal conclave, the timeline for the election varies per event. Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, was elected just one day after the 2013 conclave began. And only twice since the start of the 20th century have conclaves been up to five days.
Due to the divide between the more progressive and conservative patrons within the Catholic Church, this conclave may take longer than usual, Matthew Gabriele, a medieval studies professor at Virginia Tech, previously told USA TODAY.
Here's a look at how long conclaves lasted over the past century.
How long will the conclave be before a new pope is selected?
There is not a set timeframe for how long a conclave may take. Pope Francis was elected just one day after the 2013 conclave, but on the flip side, the longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years with the election of Pope Gregory X in 1271, according to EWTN Vatican.
Only 2 conclaves have lasted up to five days since 1900s
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, only two conclaves have lasted up to five days − Pope Pius XI's conclave in 1922 and Pope Pius X's conclave in 1903.
What is a papal conclave?
A papal conclave is an election of a new pope conducted by the College of Cardinals, which is composed of bishops and Vatican officials selected by the pope. The cardinals are tasked with voting for one of their colleagues to take over the role of pontiff. As of May 1, 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave, according to The Holy See's College of Cardinals Dashboard.
Before voting, the cardinals discuss the needs and challenges facing the Catholic Church. They then gather in St. Peter's Basilica to invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit on who should be the successor, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
For the actual election, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy and seal the church's doors. Each cardinal votes by secret ballot. During this process, the cardinal says a prayer and then drops his ballot in a large chalice, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
If one candidate does not receive a two-thirds majority vote, another election is held. This process is repeated until one candidate has received the necessary votes.
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