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What is the papal conclave: Inside the ancient process of choosing the next pope

After a pope dies, the Catholic Church chooses its next leader through an ancient electoral process called the «papal conclave.»
In practice, since at least 1276, the conclave gathers the church’s top bishops – called the College of Cardinals – from around the globe. Though there are more than 240 cardinals currently, only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave and the number of cardinal electors is limited to 120.
Nearly all prefects of Vatican offices lose their jobs when a pope dies, but a few stay on, including the foreign minister and the master of liturgical ceremonies, who play a key role in assembling the conclave.
The conclave takes place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and cardinals are kept in strict isolation to keep them far from any outside influence from the rest of the world. This isolation is so important in the process that even the name conclave comes from the Latin «con clavis,» which means «with key,» indicating how the cardinal electors are locked up while they deliberate over who will be the new pope.
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Incense is cast over the coffin of Pope John Paul II by German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger during the funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square on April 8, 2005, in Vatican City. (Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)
There is also an emphasis on choosing a pope quickly to lessen the amount of time the church spends without a leader. The cardinals cast their first vote the day the conclave begins. They then cast votes at least twice every day after – in the morning and evening – until a pope is selected.
The common practice in the modern Catholic Church is for the cardinals to choose a pope from among their own ranks, though this was not always the case.
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Pope Francis receives Vice President JD Vance, at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)
Conclaves will typically begin with a special Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica, in which the cardinals invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Cardinals vote for the pope through a secret ballot. At each vote, a cardinal will write his choice on a piece of paper, process up to Michaelangelo’s giant fresco of the last judgment – which serves as a reminder of the gravity and sacredness of their responsibility – and drop his ballot in a chalice.
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Cardinals of the Catholic Church attend the election conclave in the Sistine Chapel on April 18, 2005, at the Vatican. (Arturo Mari – Vatican Pool/ Getty Images)
A two-thirds majority of votes is needed to select a new pope. More than two-thirds of the eligible cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis. However, these cardinals hold a diverse set of viewpoints and come from all different parts of the world.
After each vote, the ballots are burned and the ashes are used to send a signal to the rest of the world about whether a decision has been made. Black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel means there has not been a consensus, while white smoke means a pope has been chosen.
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Gerhard Ludwig Cardinal Müller, right, during a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica. (Johannes Neudecker/picture alliance)
Once a cardinal receives a two-thirds majority of the votes, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks him if he is willing to accept the position. If he accepts, he must then choose his papal name. Cardinal Jose Mario Bergoglio chose the name «Pope Francis,» becoming the first pope to choose this name.
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After the world is alerted through the burning of white smoke, the new pope is announced with the most senior cardinal proclaiming «Habemus papam!» – «We have a pope» – after which the newly elected pontiff processes out and imparts his first blessing to the city of Rome and the rest of the world.
INTERNACIONAL
113 House Dems vote against GOP resolution to condemn Boulder attack on pro-Israel activists

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More than 100 Democrats voted against a House GOP-led resolution to condemn the accused terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.
It passed 280-113, with 75 Democrats joining Republicans to vote for the bill. Six lawmakers, five Democrats and one Republican, voted «present.»
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., last week in response to the attack. But Democrat lawmakers made clear they were opposed to language in the resolution that they felt was politically charged.
In addition to condemning the attack, Evans’ resolution also appeared to rebuke blue-leaning sanctuary jurisdictions that were at odds with federal immigration authorities, and he condemned illegal immigrants who overstay their visas as well.
A second bill, led by Reps. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., and Joe Neguse, D-Colo., more broadly condemned the rise in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. That legislation netted much wider bipartisan support, passing 400-0, with just two lawmakers voting «present.»
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Police work at the scene after an attack that injured multiple people in Boulder, Colo., on June 1, 2025. (Reuters | Fox News Digital)
But Evans’ resolution more specifically noted that the case of terror suspect Mohammed Sabry Soliman, who overstayed a tourist visa and a subsequent work authorization, «demonstrates the dangers of not removing from the country aliens who fail to comply with the terms of their visas.»
The Egyptian national is facing federal charges after allegedly attempting to set fire to peaceful demonstrators who were protesting Hamas’ continued possession of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The Trump administration has vowed that he and his family will be deported from the U.S.
Evans’ resolution also «affirms that free and open communication between State and local law enforcement and their Federal counterparts remains the bedrock of public safety and is necessary in preventing terrorist attacks» and it «expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, for protecting the homeland.»
It comes as Democrat-controlled cities like Los Angeles and Nashville, Tennessee, have seen their leaders criticize the Trump administration’s ICE crackdown.
The Trump administration’s handling of anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles has spurred an outpouring of scorn from Democrat officials, particularly the decision to send National Guard troops in to break up the demonstrations.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., criticized Evans’ resolution in comments to reporters on Monday.

Rep. Gabe Evans led the resolution. (Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)
«Who is this guy? He’s not seriously concerned with combating antisemitism in America. This is not a serious effort,» Jeffries said. «Antisemitism is a scourge on America. It shouldn’t be weaponized politically.»
Jeffries also called Evans «a joke.»
Evans responded on X, «I served our nation in uniform in the Middle East, as a cop in Colorado, & now as a Congressman. This wildly offensive sentiment from Democrat’s Leader is why antisemitism persists. The Left is unserious about finding real solutions.»
Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., who is Jewish, also criticized Evans’ resolution.
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«You weren’t here, Mr. Evans, last term, but there were about 10 antisemitism resolutions that effectively said the same thing solely to score political points. We Jews are sick and tired of being used as pawns,» Goldman said during debate on the bill.
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But Van Drew, who is leading a bipartisan resolution that similarly condemns antisemitism but does not discuss immigration, defended Evans’ measure.
«Yes, it is different than mine. Mine focused purely on antisemitism here in the world. But he brings up a valid point not only for Jews, but for many innocent victims. Whether it was Laken Riley, whether it was the women that were raped, the women and men that were killed, those that were beaten, those that were hurt, who were in law enforcement. Illegal immigration is not a good thing,» Van Drew said.
The two lawmakers who voted «present» on Van Drew’s resolution were Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.
Greene wrote on X after the vote, «Antisemitic hate crimes are wrong, but so are all hate crimes. Yet Congress never votes on hate crimes committed against white people, Christians, men, the homeless, or countless others. Tonight, the House passed two more antisemitism-related resolutions, the 20th and 21st I’ve voted on since taking office. Meanwhile, Americans from every background are being murdered — even in the womb — and Congress stays silent.»
INTERNACIONAL
Brasil: comenzaron los interrogatorios a Jair Bolsonaro y sus colaboradores, acusados de intento de golpe de Estado

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Brasil,Lula Da Silva,Jair Bolsonaro
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Power players or baseball players? The history behind the Congressional Baseball Game

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Washington is stocked with power players. The president. White House officials. Cabinet secretaries. U.S. Representatives. Senators. Powerful aides. Lobbyists. Journalists.
But how about baseball players?
Democrats and Republicans convene Wednesday night at Nats Park just blocks from the Capitol for the annual Congressional game.
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Since 1909, Democrats and Republicans have traded in conference committees for mound visits.
The Congressional Record for scorecards.
And parliamentarians for umpires.
Republicans are looking to keep their winning streak alive at this year’s Congressional Baseball Game. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is a former Atlanta Braves farmhand. He gets his squad out on the practice diamond nearly every morning when lawmakers are in session at 5:45.
«We’ve been working out since March 1,» said Williams. «I think we’re as good as we were last year.»
However, he noted that springtime rain limited practice time. And, an injury might beset the GOP squad.
House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Blake Moore, R-Utah, started in center field for Republicans last year. Moore is one of the best overall athletes for either team. Moore won the high school Heisman Trophy in 1997. However, Moore injured his collar bone diving to make a save as a goalie in the Congressional soccer game a few weeks ago.
Yes, there’s a Congressional soccer game, too. And flag football game. And basketball game. And hockey game.
And voters sometimes wonder why nothing ever gets done in Washington?
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Anyway, Moore says his clavicle has healed. Ironically, he can golf. But can’t play baseball. And can’t reach up to put away the dishes in the cupboard after dinner.
«That goes over really well with my wife,» said Moore.
A penalty for playing soccer?
«I fined him $500,» said Williams – we believe jokingly.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, coaches his party’s baseball team. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, played right field last year. He moves to center field in place of Moore Wednesday night. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., patrols right field for Republicans.
Stutzman returned to Congress this year after an eight-year hiatus. Stutzman played in six games before, hitting .083. Stutzman used to pitch for the GOP. But his services out of the bullpen probably aren’t necessary. After all, Stutzman might not match up to other Hoosier State hurlers like Tommy John and Don Larsen. On the mound, Stutzman sports an 0-2 record with a 14.44 ERA in the Congressional contest.
That said, Williams does have a potential newcomer who can throw: Freshman Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is a rookie and a fireballer.
«He’s my Ryne Duren,» said Williams of Harrigan.
To the uninitiated, Duren was a flamethrowing all-star in the 1950s and ‘60s – mostly with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. Duren wore Coke-bottle glasses. The line «Oh say can you see» during «The Star-Spangled Banner» took on a little more meaning for opposing hitters when Duren was on the mound with his fastball.
Williams says Harrigan can bring it. But his control needs work.
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Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., enters her third year as the Democrats’ skipper. She’s the first woman to manage the team.
Women first played in the game in 1993. Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., along with former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and current Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., broke the gender barrier. Both Lincoln and Cantwell played as House Members. Sanchez appeared in 11 games and is one of the best women to suit up. She hit .455, going 5-11 with two walks.
Sanchez bleeds Dodger blue. She historically wears a Fernando Valenzuela jersey while managing. Valenzuela was one of the most iconic Dodgers of all time, capturing the 1981 Cy Young Award with his screwball as «Fernandomania» seized southern California. Valenzuela died last fall.

Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., coaches the Democrats. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
But Sanchez used to pull for the «California» Angels – now the Los Angeles Angels. Sanchez switched her allegiance from the Halos to the Dodgers after the Angels let Nolan Ryan escape to the Houston Astros in late 1979.
One wonders how Sanchez would have felt if she were a New York Mets fan back when they traded Ryan to the Angels?
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Sanchez’s success at the plate hasn’t followed her into the Democrats’ dugout. Republicans have captured the last four contests – including the two which Sanchez managed. Republicans pounded the Democrats last year, 31-11. The GOP topped the Democrats 16-6 in 2023. There was no game in 2020 due to the pandemic. So the Democrats haven’t won since 2019. Republicans hold a 38-23 advantage in the «modern» era of the game. They began playing the Congressional game in 1909. But late House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, halted the game because it became too violent.
There was a legendary collision at home plate in the 1956 game. Late Rep. Charles Curtis, R-Mo., was catching for the GOP. Rep. Olin «Tiger» Teague, D-Texas, steamrolled Curtis at the plate. Teague is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But Teague buried Curtis at home in that game. Orderlies hauled Curtis off the old Griffith Stadium field on a stretcher.
Lawmakers resumed the game in 1962.

With her party hemorrhaging talent on the mound in recent years, Sanchez may be buoyed by an influx of freshmen – like Rep. John Mannion, D-N.Y. – in this year’s showdown. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Sanchez is buoyed by at least four new freshmen – or rookies – on her club. Reps. Dave Min, D-Calif., Derek Tran, D-Calif., John Mannion, D-N.Y., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md.
«Our principal weakness has been not a lot of depth to our bullpen. And this year we’ve got a couple of freshmen that can throw. So we’re hoping that with those additions, we can do a lot better this year,» said Sanchez.
Expect Mannion to work in relief.
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Like most Major League clubs, the Democrats need pitching.
«We had a great run for a little while when Cedric Richmond was on the mound,» said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who pitches, catches and plays infield for the Democrats.
Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., is one of the greatest players in Congressional Baseball Game history. He pitched in college. He threw 80-mph-plus to stymie fellow lawmakers. Richmond boasted an 8-0 record and a miniscule 2.64 ERA.
But Richmond left Congress to work for former President Biden in 2021. The Democrats haven’t been formidable since.

Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., was one of the best baseball players to have ever seen the halls of Congress. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Heading into Wednesday’s contest, Sanchez teased that her goal with the Republicans in the game is «making them cry.»
«But we come together and do something good for the area,» added Sanchez, noting the $2 million the game raises for children’s charities in the DC area.
But she concedes, «there’s always trash talk.»
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So Democrats try to escape from their slump. The Democrats haven’t won under Sanchez. But they’re oh-fer since House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took over in 2023.
«It’s my expectation that the Democratic comeback is going to begin in 2025 at the Congressional Baseball Game,» said Jeffries last week.
But the Brooklyn Democrat said the same thing two years ago.
«I think this is the year for the big, Democratic comeback,» said Jeffries in June 2023.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has been hinging on a Democratic comeback for years. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
So, I questioned Jeffries in the Capitol corridors late last week.
«You realize since you’ve been the Minority Leader that the Republicans have defeated the Democrats by a combined score of 47 to 1?» asked yours truly.
«I also realize that my record as an active member of the Congressional Baseball Game team, I believe, was 9-1,» replied Jeffries.
But is that because of Jeffries? Or Cedric Richmond?
Statistics are paramount in baseball. Whether you’re scoring at home. Or using the Congressional Budget Office. Jeffries is 1-6 hitting in his nine games on the Democratic squad. That’s good for a .167 average. Well below the Mendoza Line. But he did swipe seven bases.
And this year, Democrats will again try to steal a win against a talented Republican club.
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Gametime at 7pm ET on FS1 Wednesday. Yours truly will be on the call alongside colleague Kevin Corke.
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