By Gonzalo Sánchez
Vatican City, May 4 (EFE).— Behind the Leonine Walls of the Vatican, an intricate ritual unfolds this week as cardinals gather for a centuries-old tradition: the conclave that will decide who wears the white robe next.
The cardinals will sit together on May 7, isolating themselves inside the Sistine Chapel for the secretive voting process.
But this ancient and fascinating rite involves more than just that iconic chapel, taking place entirely within the walled enclave of Vatican City.
On the afternoon of May 7, the 133 cardinal electors, those under 80 years of age, will enter the Sistine Chapel to choose the successor to Pope Francis.
With Michelangelo’s majestic Last Judgment and other biblical frescoes as their silent witnesses, they will deliberate in total secrecy.
The Sistine Chapel, part of the Apostolic Palace, will become a veritable ‘bunker,’ where cardinals will carry out their solemn task in strict confidentiality.
Their decision will be signaled to the world not by words, but by the color of smoke rising from a chimney.
The word conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “under lock and key.”
However, this does not mean the cardinals sleep beneath the Sistine’s vaulted ceiling. Instead, they move through several key areas within Vatican City, each playing a role in this deeply symbolic process.
1) The Leonine Walls:
The 1996 Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis mandates that the conclave be held “within the territory of Vatican City,” an independent state since 1929 and the smallest in the world at just 0.44 square kilometers.
The election process must be confined to “specific places and buildings closed to outsiders” to ensure suitable accommodations and, most importantly, absolute confidentiality.
2) Domus Sanctae Marthae:
The cardinals will spend their nights at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a five-story residence inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in 1996.
Located next to St. Peter’s Basilica, it was the residence of Pope Francis from his election in 2013 until his death on Apr.21, 2025.
The building has 105 suite-style rooms, each with a private bathroom and air conditioning, and a communal dining area. Rooms are assigned by lottery.
3) The Sistine Chapel:
This Renaissance masterpiece, built by Pope Sixtus IV in the late 15th century, is the most emblematic setting for the conclave
Closed to the public in preparation, the chapel has seating for the cardinals and a special stove to burn ballots. It will be the 26th time the Sistine Chapel has hosted a papal election since 1492.
4) The Vatican Walk:
The cardinals will spend their days in the Sistine Chapel and return to Casa Santa Marta at night. Although the two buildings are only a short distance apart, just across the area bordering St. Peter’s Basilica, they will be transported by minibus.
They may also walk to stretch their legs, but always under supervision to prevent outside .
5) The Apostolic Palace:
This sprawling complex, located behind the right arm of the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square, is the official residence of the Bishop of Rome. It includes the papal apartments (which Francis used only for the Sunday Angelus), parts of the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel itself.
6) The Pauline Chapel:
From this ornately decorated chapel, opened in the mid-16th century by Pope Paul III, the solemn procession of cardinals begins, making its way to the Sistine Chapel for the start of the conclave.
7) The Room of Tears:
Off the Sistine Chapel lies a small antechamber known as the “Room of Tears” for the emotional weight felt by the newly elected pope.
It is here that the chosen cardinal dons the white papal robes for the first time, often in tears, moved by the enormity of the role.
8) To the World:
The conclave ends when white smoke rises, signaling a successful election. The new pope’s identity remains secret until he appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, following the formal declaration: Habemus Papam! —”We have a pope!” EFE
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