08-05-2025
Here's how a new pope is chosen: Expert explains the conclave ceremony
DENVER (KDVR) — The world continues to watch and wait as 133 cardinals remain sequestered inside the Vatican's Sistine Chapel as the secret conclave ceremony takes place.
They will decide who will succeed Pope Francis as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Black smoke billowed from the Chapel on Wednesday, indicating no pope has been chosen and the voting will continue Thursday morning.
Black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel chimney, conclave doesn't elect pope in first vote
There are 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, but many more are closely following the conclave in anticipation of the impact the new pope will have. FOX31 spoke to Dr. Chris Pramuk, an author and Regis University theology professor, about the conclave process.
'The choosing of a Pope is always a very dramatic reminder of the global reach of the Catholic Church,' he said.
The 133 cardinals must arrive at a two-thirds majority vote to determine who will now lead the Church in a world facing conflict, war and political unrest. Pramuk says Catholics will be looking for consistency in a new leader.
'Francis is a hard act to follow in terms of his personality and his style as a leader, his deep care for the poor, especially for the marginalized,' he said.
As a result of Pope Francis's legacy, this is the most diverse conclave in the church's 2000-year history, with cardinals from 70 countries. Strict protocols ensure the integrity of the selection.
'Literally, the word conclave means 'with a key;' they're locked into the Sistine Chapel with a key to minimize any undue exterior influence,' said Pramuk.
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Pramuk explained the symbolism of black or white smoke emitted from the top of the chapel.
'The ballots are burnt, put in an oven, then ballots once they've been counted, and they add a chemical to create the black smoke if it's not a majority vote,' he said.
Pramuk says the impact of the new Pope will be evident in nations around the world.
'The Pope kind of represents to me the single figure who kind of gives us visual moral guidance in a world that I think today desperately is thirsty for that I think people are looking for signs of hope that goodness is possible,' he said.
The conclave ceremony originated in medieval times. Pramuk tells FOX31 that in the 1800s, there was a conclave that lasted three years due to political pressure. The ceremonies now typically last two to three days.
Pramuk provides more information about the conclave ceremony on the Regis University website.
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