The election of a new pope is one of the most secretive and historically rich traditions in the world. Rooted in centuries of faith and governance, this process determines the next leader of over a billion Catholics as well as the future direction of the Church.
For centuries, the papacy has played a pivotal role in global religion, politics, and morality, shaping history through its leaders. But behind the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square and the solemn faces of the cardinals lies a complex and highly structured system that has evolved over time.
So, how does a new pope ascend to the highest office in the Catholic Church? What happens behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel? And how much of the intrigue portrayed in books and films reflects reality? Click through this gallery to find out.