A new pope is elected during a conclave, which is a confidential meeting of the cardinal electors. This conclave begins at least 15 days after the papal seat becomes vacant due to the death or resignation of the previous pope. The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, where they take an oath of secrecy and proceed with voting in secret ballots. The voting process requires a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope. Ballots are cast up to four times per day (one round on the first afternoon and up to four rounds on subsequent days) until a candidate receives the required majority. If no pope is elected within three days, a day of prayer and discussion may be observed before voting resumes. When a pope is elected, white smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel chimney to signal the election; black smoke indicates further voting is needed. The new pope is then announced with the phrase "Habemus Papam" from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The most recent example is the conclave held on May 7, 2025, which elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, the day after the conclave began.
