Conclave | Definition, Meaning & Explanation

With the loss of Pope Francis in April 2025, the process of selecting the new pope (known as the papal conclave) has become an international focus. During this process, Roman Catholic cardinals convene in the Sistine Chapel and remain secluded from the outside world until they elect the new pope (usually for 2–3 days).

But what does conclave mean exactly?

Most dictionaries define conclave as “a secret or private meeting of leaders,” but the original conclave meaning from ancient Rome is “a locked room.” It originates from the Latin root word “clave,” which means “key.” Conclave can refer to the papal election or (less formally) to a gathering of people with shared interests (e.g., fraternities and sororities).

Conclave meaning

Conclave is a noun that means “a private or secret gathering of important officials” (usually for the purpose of electing leaders or making major decisions). In ancient Rome, the definition of conclave is “a locked door,” and the root word “clave” means “key.”

Some conclaves (e.g., the papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel) literally take place behind locked doors. A papal conclave is the gathering of cardinals (senior members of the clergy) to elect a new pope. Papal is an adjective that means “relating to the pope.”

For other conclaves, the concept of a locked room is a metaphor for “members only.” For example, you can only attend the Sigma Alpha National Conclave if you’re a member of the Sigma Alpha college sorority. Similarly, Social Conclave in India (an annual youth leadership conference) is not open to the general public (only to special delegates ages 16–22).

In the workplace or other contexts, a conclave can be a private meeting where important decisions are made.

Papal conclave origins and process

The papal conclave is one of the oldest and most mysterious processes for electing a world leader. The process began in 1274, when Pope Gregory X ruled that the pope’s electors must be secluded from outside political influence during the election. The electors are the Catholic cardinals from around the world who are under 80 years old.

The group of electors is called the College of Cardinals. The papal conclave process involves these steps:

• General Congregations: Before the conclave begins, the cardinals hold meetings to discuss possible candidates and other religious matters.
• Sequestration: When the conclave officially starts, the cardinals are secluded in the Sistine Chapel and nearby housing and not allowed to communicate with anyone in the outside world.
• Oath of Secrecy: The cardinals swear an oath of secrecy. If they ever violate this oath, they are excommunicated (cut off from the Catholic Church).
• Scrutiny (Voting): Several rounds of voting take place via secret paper ballots. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.
• Fumata (Ballot Burning): After the scrutiny process is complete, the paper ballots are burned. If a pope is successfully elected with a two-thirds majority, the college releases white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney. If the election wasn’t successful, they release black smoke.
• Acceptance by the Elected: Once a cardinal receives two-thirds of the votes, he is asked if he accepts the papacy. If he accepts, he chooses a papal name.
• Announcement of the Habemus Papam: The new pope is dressed in papal garments, and the senior cardinal deacon announces the election with “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
• First Blessing: The new pope then gives his first blessing to the city and the world.

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