The Pope’s Conclave begins 15-20 days after Pope Francis’ death. Cardinal of College’s Closure Door Assembly – limited to 120 electors under current regulations – will be locked up inside the Sistine Chapel and begin the minutes of the Mass.
The first vote will be held in the afternoon. After each round, the votes are burned. The black smoke indicates a decisive vote. White Smoke announces to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
The conclusion can last for about a day, but is known to last for years. Here are some historical outliers.
Longest
Conclaves of 1268–1271
length: 2 years, 9 months
position: Viterovo, Italy
Reason for the delay: The deep divisions between the cardinals, especially between the French and Italian factions, caused a deadlock. Eventually, the local magistrate locked up the cardinals and removed the roof of the palace to apply pressure.
result: Pope Gregory x’s election
Conclaves of 1314–1316
length: 2 years, 3 months
position: Lyon, France
Reason for the delay: Political conflict between the French and Italian cardinals.
result: Pope John XXII’s election
Conclaves of 1415–1417
length: 2 years
position: Constance (part of the Constance Council)
Reason for the delay: It was part of an effort to end the great division of the Church, with multiple claimants of the Pope.
result: Ends the election and division of Pope Martin V.
shortest
Conclave of 1503 (October)
length: A few hours
was selectedPope Julius II
context: Giuliano della Rovere is a powerful cardinal and has benefited widely. He was selected shortly after the entanglement was opened.
Conclave in 1939
length: 1st (March 1st-2nd)
Selected: Pope Pius XII
context: Eugenio Parsley, Secretary of State under the former Pope Pius XI, was a clear favourite and received overwhelming support in his third vote.
Conclave in 2005
length2nd (April 18th-19th)
was selectedPope Benedict XVI
context: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a well-known theologian and dean of Cardinal of University, was immediately elected after just four votes.
