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Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves

As cardinals gather to elect the next pope, they would do well to avoid some of the many failings of previous conclaves.

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By Danylo Hawaleshka
Published On 7 May 2025

History Illustrated is a series of perspectives that puts news events and current affairs into historical context using graphics generated with artificial intelligence.

Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
With Pope Francis dead, the Catholic Church must now hold a conclave of cardinals to elect his successor. But as a recent Hollywood film so aptly named Conclave suggests, gatherings such as these can lead to political intrigue and, sometimes, skulduggery.
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Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
The deliberations of a conclave are secret, with modern-day participants locked inside the Sistine Chapel, to shield them from outside influences. If, after 33 rounds of voting, there is no winner by a majority of two-thirds plus one, a run-off is held between the top two candidates.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
It wasn’t always so straightforward. Arguably the most notorious conclave - and certainly the longest - was held in the village of Viterbo, in central Italy. It began in 1268 and lasted two years, eight months.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
Villagers became so frustrated by the drawn-out proceedings that they locked the cardinals in the building and reduced their food rations before eventually tearing the roof off.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
In 1492, the infamous Rodrigo Borgia was elected pope, taking the name Alexander VI. He’s been accused of buying votes, squandering church money on his lavish lifestyle and fathering children out of wedlock. His spiritual neglect during his papacy is said to have contributed to the rise of the Protestant Reformation.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
Soon after, the 1513 conclave was overshadowed by powerful political alliances that led to the election of Leo X, who also enjoyed the high life. That, and his nepotism, soon drained church coffers. Leo X also failed to deal with the growing dissatisfaction with the church itself and the resultant rise of the Reformation movement.
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Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
Over the centuries, conclaves have been known to devolve into shoving and shouting matches. In 1605, an altercation left Cardinal Alfonso Visconti with several broken bones.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
The conclave of 1903 is notable because Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria vetoed the leading papal candidate. Why isn’t entirely clear. As a result, Giuseppe Sarto was elected as Pope Pius X and would go on to ban secular vetoes, putting an end to meddling monarchs.
Pope Francis and the clash of the conclaves
Today, the responsibility of choosing the successor to Pope Francis falls to 133 cardinals. They will begin their deliberations on May 7, wanting no doubt to avoid the taint of scandal, while ensuring a conclave worthy of a religion with 1.4 billion adherents.