The term “conclave” derives from the Latin cum clave (“with a key” ), reflecting the practice of locking cardinals in to maintain secrecy and focus. Cardinals are sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (a Vatican guesthouse) for lodging and vote in the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is swept for electronic devices, mobile phones are surrendered, and signal jammers are used to prevent leaks. After all non‐essential personnel leave, the order Extra omnes (“Everyone out” ) is given, and the chapel doors are locked.

The conclave's core activity is voting to elect a new pope. Cardinals cast secret ballots, typically twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, until a candidate receives a two‐thirds supermajority. Each ballot is written on a card with the phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff” ) and the chosen name. Ballots are counted by three scrutineers, verified by revisers, and threaded for security. If no candidate achieves the required majority, the ballots are burned with a chemical to produce black smoke, signaling no pope has been elected. If a pope is elected, the ballots are burned to produce white smoke, and the senior cardinal deacon announces Habemus Papam (“We have a pope” ) from St. Peter's Basilica's balcony.

Once a candidate achieves the two‐thirds vote, the cardinal dean asks if they accept the election and what name they will take. Upon acceptance, the individual becomes pope immediately. The new pope is dressed in papal vestments in the “Room of Tears” adjacent to the Sistine Chapel and appears on the balcony of St. Peter's to greet the crowd.
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