Reading time: 13 minutes

Behind the Conclave: What No One Tells You About How a New Pope Is Chosen in the Vatican

When smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel, the world holds its breath. But what really happens behind the closed doors of the conclave? Get ready to dive into a universe of rituals, alliances, conspiracies, and decisions that shape history — inspiring books, films, and heated debates even today.

The conclave is one of the world’s most enigmatic and anticipated events. The ritual of choosing the new Pope, broadcast to billions, seems simple: cardinals gather, cast secret votes, and wait for black or white smoke. But behind the spectacle lies a game of power, suspense, and tradition — a blend of faith, politics, diplomacy, and intrigue worthy of a thriller.

The Suspense of the Conclave: More Than Faith, a Game of Power 🙌

Since the Middle Ages, the conclave has been synonymous with absolute secrecy. Cardinals from all over the globe gather in Rome, are secluded in the Sistine Chapel — no phones, no outside contact — and only leave when one of them secures a two-thirds majority. The Vatican goes to great lengths to prevent leaks, but as in every good story, secrecy isn’t always perfect.

The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis was one of the most unpredictable in recent history. Jorge Bergoglio, the Argentinian who became Pope, wasn’t a favorite. “He wasn’t campaigning, he didn’t want to be Pope. He even asked people not to vote for him,” recalled Oscar Crespo, the pontiff’s childhood friend, to CNN Brasil. Yet, as traditional names lost momentum, Bergoglio quietly gained support in discreet dinners and corridor conversations. The mood was one of rupture: the Church needed renewal, and kingmakers — influential cardinals from various continents — decided it was time for a Pope outside the traditional axis.

“The Vatican is the only place in the world where nothing happens by accident.” — Malachi Martin, former Jesuit and author of ‘The Final Conclave’

Between each vote, promises of positions and support shift hands. It’s common for favorites to fall from grace due to a slip, rumor, or external pressure. Despite all its technology, the Vatican still relies on medieval methods of secrecy — but leaks do happen. In 2005, Italian newspapers predicted Benedict XVI’s election before the official announcement, proving not every secret is absolute.

The conclave has been manipulated by kings, powerful families, and even the Austrian emperor, who in 1903 vetoed a leading candidate. In 1978, John Paul I died after just 33 days as Pope, fueling rumors of conspiracy never proven (BBC). And in 2013, Benedict XVI’s unprecedented resignation opened the door to global pressures and a historic election: Francis, the first Latin American Pope.

Theories, Conspiracies, and Real Backstories

The conclave’s absolute secrecy has always fueled conspiracy theories. Some say intelligence agencies, governments, and even economic lobbies try to influence the choice of the new Pope. In the internet era, rumors spread fast: fake lists of favorites, supposed “leaks” of votes, stories of alliances and betrayals. The truth? The Vatican never confirms — and often doesn’t even deny.

Even for those who don’t buy into conspiracies, the conclave is a suspense spectacle: alliances shift, favorites fall, surprises emerge. The Vatican is a master of mystery: the ritual is a spectacle, but also a smokescreen.

Backstage Micro-Stories: Details That Changed Everything

Few know that in 2013, during the conclave, Bergoglio had already bought his ticket back to Buenos Aires and prepared his Holy Thursday homily. He only realized he’d be elected after the third ballot, when a Brazilian cardinal told him, “Don’t worry, if you’re elected, accept. It’s God’s will.”

Another remarkable detail: right after being elected, Francis refused the traditional ermine mantle and asked to wear only the simple white cassock, signaling a break with past luxury and pomp.

After the announcement, Francis broke protocol and asked the crowd in St. Peter’s Square to pray for him before giving his blessing — an unprecedented gesture that moved millions and became a symbol of humility and renewal.

What Changes for Ordinary Catholics?

For most faithful, the conclave is a spectacle of faith and tradition. But behind the scenes, it’s also a game of power, diplomacy, and strategy. Projects and appointments are frozen until the new Pope takes office. Hopes for change on issues like celibacy, inclusion, and anti-corruption grow with every election. The mood is suspense, hope — and skepticism.

🔍 Quick Recap:

✅ The conclave is a ritual of faith, power, and strategy — not just prayer.
✅ Backstage deals, alliances, and secrets shape the future of the Church and the world.
✅ Historical examples show unpredictability is the rule, not the exception.
✅ The impact goes beyond religion: it involves politics, culture, and the very idea of truth.
✅ The debate about the conclave is part of the Vatican’s fascination — and relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)

• How does the conclave work?
  Cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel, are isolated, and vote in secret rounds until one name gets two-thirds of the votes. White smoke signals the new Pope’s election.
• Why is the conclave so secretive?
  To prevent outside pressure, political manipulation, and to ensure the choice is made solely by the cardinals, free from external interference.
• Has there ever been manipulation or conspiracy in conclaves?
  Yes. Since the Middle Ages, kings, emperors, and lobbies have tried to influence the Pope’s selection. Today, the process is more controlled, but rumors and theories always arise.
• What happens if no one reaches two-thirds of the votes?
  Voting continues until one candidate secures the necessary majority. The conclave can last hours or days — the longest in history lasted nearly three years.
• What changes for Catholics after the conclave?
  Beyond a new spiritual leader, there may be changes in doctrine, internal policies, inclusion, and the Church’s global positioning.

ChatGPT Prompt 👀

The conclave is a spectacle of faith, power, and mystery. In the end, white smoke announces a new Pope, but the real enigma remains: who truly decides the Church’s future — and who, in fact, knows all the secrets of the conclave?
Comment, share, question — because the Church’s history is also made by those who dare to look beyond the white smoke.

Did it make sense? If so, great :)) Isto fica feliz em ser útil 🧡