What were the longest and shortest conclaves?

The death of Pope Francis has brought the Roman Catholic Church to a familiar but solemn threshold. As of May 7, the conclave to elect his successor has officially begun, with 133 cardinal electors locked in the Sistine Chapel under centuries-old protocols that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

While the outcome of this conclave remains uncertain, its length could offer early clues into the level of consensus—or conflict—within the Church’s highest ranks. History shows that conclaves have ranged from a matter of hours to nearly three years, shaped by intrigue, deadlock, and even popular revolt.

Speaking on Wednesday, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re called on his fellow electors to set aside “every personal consideration” and act with love, describing it as “the only force capable of changing the world.” He appealed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in selecting the pope “whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult, complex, and troubled turning point in history.”

You can follow the live stream of the Sistine Chapel chimney here to see when white smoke rises, signaling the election of a new pope.

What Was the Longest Conclave?

The longest papal conclave occurred between 1268 and 1271, stretching nearly three years. Following the death of Pope Clement IV, the College of Cardinals convened in Viterbo, Italy, but were too fractured a group to reach consensus.

As frustration mounted, local residents sealed the cardinals in the Palazzo dei Papi, cut off comforts, and eventually removed the palace roof to expose them to the elements. Only then did they elect Teobaldo Visconti, who became Gregory X. One of his first acts was to formalize the conclave rules, establishing daily voting procedures still used today.

What Was the Shortest Conclave?

The shortest papal conclave on record took place in October 1503 and lasted only a few hours. Following the death of Pope Pius III, whose reign lasted just 13 days, the cardinals reconvened and quickly elected Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere.

His swift ascent reflected both entrenched political backing and the urgency for stability. He became Pope Julius II, remembered as the “warrior pope” who launched military campaigns and initiated the rebuilding of St. Peter’s Basilica.

How Long Was the Conclave to Elect Pope Francis?

Pope Francis was elected in March 2013 after only five ballots across two days. The swift consensus followed Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation citing a “lack of strength of mind and body”. Francis’ image as a reform-minded, non-European outsider helped consolidate support among the 115 cardinal electors. His election marked the first time a Jesuit had become pope and the first time the position went to a Latin American. Details of the 2013 conclave are chronicled here.

When Will We Know Who the New Pope Is?

There’s no official announcement time during a conclave, but there is one unmistakable signal: white smoke. After each round of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove.

If no candidate has secured the necessary two-thirds vote, chemicals are added to the fire to produce black smoke. When a pope is elected a different chemical turns the smoke white, a signal that was first used in 1914.

Recent conclaves have ended quickly over two to three days. Pope Francis was elected after five ballots; Pope Benedict XVI after four; Pope John Paul II after eight.

Why It Matters

The duration of a conclave often reflects the degree of unity—or division—within the Church hierarchy. Lengthy deliberations, like those in the 13th century, signaled factional chaos, while rapid outcomes typically suggest a unified or pragmatic voting bloc. The 1271 conclave ultimately triggered reforms still in place today.

What To Know

This year’s conclave takes place under tight security in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals and Vatican staff are sworn to secrecy. The chapel is swept for surveillance devices and sealed from the outside world. Voting begins with one ballot on the first day and continues with four per day until a candidate secures the required margin. If no result is reached after three days, a day of reflection is observed before voting resumes.

Eligible electors must be under the age of 80 and must reach a two-thirds majority, plus one vote, to elect a new pope.

What Happens Next

The 2025 conclave began on May 7. Based on historical precedent, a new pope could be named within days. Until then, global observers will watch the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel—because when the white smoke appears, the world will know a new pontiff has been chosen.