The Conclave is a private assembly of cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church convened to elect a new pope following the death or resignation of the sitting pope. The term “conclave” comes from the Latin “cum clave”, meaning “with a key,” as the cardinals are traditionally locked in a room (the Sistine Chapel) until a new pope is elected.

Key Concepts:

1. Papal Election:
   The primary purpose of the Conclave is to elect a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the election, and the process involves a series of votes until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
2. Secrecy and Security:
   The Conclave is conducted in secrecy, with cardinals taking an oath to maintain confidentiality about the proceedings. This is done to ensure the integrity of the election process.
3. Role of the Cardinals:
   The cardinals gather to pray, discuss, and vote on the next pope. They are the only members of the Church who have the right to vote in the papal election.

Controversy:

1. Papal Authority:
   Some debate exists around the extent of papal authority in the Catholic Church and whether the election process through the Conclave should be more transparent or more inclusive of non-cardinals or laypeople.
2. Electoral Procedures:
   Over time, the process of the Conclave has been reformed several times, and the modern procedures may still be viewed by some as needing additional revisions to better reflect the changing needs of the Church.

Historical Background:

1. Origins of the Conclave:
   The practice of electing the pope in a secluded and private manner dates back to the 13th century. The first modern Conclave occurred in 1274 after the death of Pope Clement IV. The Conclave was designed to avoid outside interference in the election process and to ensure that the cardinals would act independently.
2. Changes Over Time:
   The rules surrounding the Conclave have evolved over the centuries. For example, in the past, the pope could be elected from any Catholic male, but since the 11th century, the election process has been limited to cardinals.

Conclave in Practice:

1. Voting Process:
   After a series of votes, if no one receives a two-thirds majority, the cardinals engage in further voting until a consensus is reached. Once a new pope is elected, the announcement is made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the famous “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).
2. Secrecy and Reflection:
   During the Conclave, the cardinals engage in prayer, reflection, and discussion before casting their votes, which ensures that their decision is made with a sense of solemnity and spiritual consideration.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.