A conclave lasts until a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals. There is no predetermined or fixed duration for a conclave, as the process concludes only when a candidate receives the required number of votes.
Understanding Conclave Duration
The length of a papal conclave can vary significantly, ranging from just a few days to much longer periods, depending on how quickly the cardinals are able to reach a consensus. Modern conclaves tend to be relatively short, often concluding within a few days. However, historical records show that some elections have been exceptionally prolonged.
Historical Examples of Conclave Durations
Throughout history, the time taken to elect a new pope has varied greatly, reflecting the challenges and complexities involved in achieving the necessary two-thirds majority.
- Recent Conclaves: In contemporary times, most conclaves conclude within a few days. For instance, the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI lasted just two days, and the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted only three days.
- Longer Historical Conclaves:
- The most recent conclave to extend beyond five days occurred in 1831, which ultimately lasted for 54 days.
- During the 13th century, periods of papal vacancy—the time before a new pope was elected—were notably protracted:
- The papacy remained vacant for a year and a half before the election of Pope Innocent IV.
- Another significant vacancy lasted three and a half years before the installation of Pope Gregory X. These extended historical periods highlight that the election process could, at times, be a very protracted affair.
The Election Process
During a conclave, cardinals are secluded within the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. They cast multiple ballots each day until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority of votes. The outcome of each ballot is traditionally signaled to the outside world by smoke from a stovepipe: black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke signifies the successful election of a new pontiff. The conclave concludes once the elected cardinal accepts the role.
