A conclave is a solemn, closed-door gathering of the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church convened to elect a new pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the world's Catholics
. The term "conclave" comes from the Latin cum clave , meaning "with a key," referring to the tradition of locking the cardinals in seclusion during the election process to prevent external influence and ensure secrecy
. The conclave was formally established in 1274 by Pope Gregory X after a protracted papal election from 1268 to 1271, which lasted nearly three years due to political interference. To avoid such delays, Gregory X decreed that cardinals should be locked away until they elected a new pope
. The first official conclave under this rule was held in 1276. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, although all cardinals may attend
. The election requires a two-thirds majority vote to select the new pope, a rule introduced in 1179 by Pope Alexander III and still in effect today
. During the conclave, cardinals stay in seclusion, typically in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and nearby accommodations, with strict prohibitions on communication with the outside world and an oath of secrecy about the proceedings
. The voting process involves secret written ballots, and the results are signaled by smoke: black smoke means no pope has been elected, white smoke signals a successful election
. The conclave is both the name of the assembly of cardinals and the place where the election occurs, symbolizing a closed and sacred process to choose the leader of the Catholic Church
. In summary, the conclave is a centuries-old, highly ritualized process designed to elect the pope in secrecy and without external interference, requiring a two-thirds majority vote by eligible cardinals locked in seclusion until a new pontiff is chosen
