Conclaves

A conclave is a private meeting of the Catholic Church’s cardinals to select a new pope. When the papal seat is vacant, cardinals gather in a secure, secluded setting—traditionally the Sistine Chapel—to deliberate and vote. The process ensures confidentiality and focus, with ballots cast until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Once chosen, the new pope is announced to the world. Conclaves are designed to uphold the integrity and spiritual significance of this critical decision, emphasizing prayer, unity, and discernment among the church's leadership.