What really happens when the Church gathers to elect a new pope behind locked conclave doors?
In this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan Scheel and Ryan Dellacrosse sit down with Monsignor K.B. Smith, who has actually participated in a papal conclave. He gives a rare, insider look at the sacred, secretive and sometimes surprising process of choosing the successor of St. Peter!
The Holy Spirit Works Through Human Hands
Many assume the Holy Spirit immediately reveals the right choice. However, cardinals don’t go in with a clear winner. They spend long hours in the chapel seeking divine guidance. While human factors come into play, in these moments of reflection and prayer God directs the Church. Msgr. says “that period is very important because they’re discerning, not choosing, but discerning who the successor to Peter should be next.”
Cardinals Track the Votes And Adjust Accordingly
Unlike a typical election, there’s no campaign trail, no televised debates—just the solemn, secret ballot. Msgr. explains that “each Cardinal will write his chosen candidate on his paper and then one at a time in front of everybody declare, ‘I declare that this is the person I think most suitable,’ and put the ballot in.” Each round, they discern who gains support and where the Spirit may be leading them. Some perform better than expected, while others see their support dwindle. He says in 1978, two expected candidates couldn’t gain enough votes, leading the Cardinals to look elsewhere—eventually electing John Paul II.
The Moment Before Acceptance
Once a Cardinal reaches the required votes, the decision isn’t official. The elected Cardinal is first asked the question: “Do you accept your canonical election to the See of Peter?” The moment he says yes, he becomes the next pope. “There’s a follow-on question: ‘What name do you choose?,” Msgr. explains. After, the pope-elect then enters the Room of Tears—a small, private chamber where he changes into his white papal garments. Why the name? Many new popes have wept there, overwhelmed by the responsibility suddenly placed on their shoulders.
The guys say that no one but God knows who will sit on the Chair of St. Peter next—but when the time comes, the world will be watching and the Church will be praying.
Watch the full episode below to learn more behind-the-scenes details! 👇
Pray for Pope Francis and for all future popes! 🙏
Credit: George Ryan via ChurchPOP
