US EditionFrom the longest conclave to anti-popes: 10 fun facts about the secret voting to elect a pope
- The longest papal conclave in history lasted nearly three years, spanning almost 1,006 days in the city of Viterbo, Italy, ultimately selecting Pope Gregory X through a compromise between competing medieval factions.
- This extended election resulted from conflict between factions loyal to the papacy and supporters of the Holy Roman Empire, delaying consensus.
- In 1274, measures were introduced to lock cardinal electors in seclusion 'cum clave' and impose meal restrictions—such as limiting them to one meal per day after three days and only bread, water, and wine after eight—to expedite the voting process and prevent prolonged delays.
- Between 1378 and 1417, the Western Schism split the Church with rival popes called antipopes until the Council of Constance resolved it by electing Martin V.
- Since 1878, all conclaves have taken place in the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals accommodated nearby in the Domus Santa Marta residence, which was established in the mid-1990s to provide improved living conditions.
91 Articles
91 Articles
How long was longest conclave? Facts about secret voting to elect a pope
“Conclave” the film may have introduced moviegoers to the spectacular ritual and drama of a modern conclave, but the periodic voting to elect a new pope has been going on for centuries and created a whole genre of historical trivia.…
Associated Press News
From the longest conclave to anti-popes: 10 fun facts about the secret voting to elect a pope
“Conclave,” the film may have introduced movie-goers to the spectacular ritual and drama of a modern conclave, but the periodic voting to elect a new pope has been going on for centuries and created a whole genre of historical trivia.
What is conclave? What to know about secretive process to elect next pope
A conclave is the centuries-old election of a pope that derives its name from the Italian “con clave” (with a key) to underscore that cardinals are sequestered until they find a winner. Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the Latin phrase for “all out,” to ask all those present except the cardinal electors to leave the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process…
catholicworldreport.com
Catholic News AgencyCNA explains: What is a conclave and how does it work?
A view of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Oct. 29, 2014. / Credit: Bohumil Petrik/CNA CNA Staff, Apr 29, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA). Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88, was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major following his funeral ... [...]
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