The new pope is elected by a two-thirds supermajority vote of the cardinal electors present at the conclave. For example, in the recent 2025 conclave with 133 electors, at least 89 votes were required to elect the new pope
. The voting process involves up to four ballots per day (two in the morning and two in the afternoon), and voting continues until a candidate receives the two-thirds majority
. If no candidate achieves this majority after several rounds, the conclave pauses for prayer and discussion, and eventually may move to a runoff between the top two candidates, still requiring a two-thirds majority
. Historically, recent popes have been elected after around four to five ballots. For instance, Pope Benedict XVI was elected on the fourth ballot and Pope Francis on the fifth ballot
. The 2025 conclave elected Pope Leo XIV after just five votes over two days
. In summary, the number of votes needed is a two-thirds majority of the electors present, typically around 89 votes if there are 133 electors, and the election usually takes between four and five ballots to conclude
