The length of a papal conclave-the gathering of cardinals to elect a new pope- can vary widely depending on the circumstances. Here’s a detailed overview:
How Long Does a Papal Conclave Last?
Typical Duration
- Usually a few days to about two weeks: Most conclaves last between 2 to 10 days. The cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote in secret ballots until a new pope is elected by a two-thirds majority.
Historical Examples
- Shortest conclave: The shortest conclave in modern history was in 1939, lasting less than a day (about 8 hours), which elected Pope Pius XII.
- Longest conclave: The longest conclave in recent centuries was in 1268–1271, lasting nearly three years, but this was an exceptional case.
- Recent conclaves: The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted 2 days, while the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI lasted 2 days as well.
Factors Affecting Duration
- Number of candidates: More candidates can prolong the voting.
- Consensus building: If cardinals quickly agree on a candidate, it ends sooner.
- Rules and procedures: Voting rounds are held twice a day, morning and afternoon, with ballots counted after each round.
Summary
- Average length: 2 to 10 days
- Minimum: A few hours (rare)
- Maximum: Several weeks or even years (historically, but very rare today)
If you want, I can provide more details about the conclave process or historical conclaves!
