Does the Holy Spirit choose the Pope?
In this episode of “The Catholic Talk Show,” Ryan Scheel and Ryan Dellacrosse sit down with Monsignor K.B. Smith, who has participated in a papal conclave. He gives a rare inside look at the sacred, secretive, and sometimes surprising process of choosing the successor of Saint Peter!
The Holy Spirit Works Through Human Hands
Many assume the Holy Spirit immediately reveals the right choice. However, cardinals don’t go in with a clear winner. They spend long hours in the chapel, seeking divine guidance. While human factors come into play, in these moments of reflection and prayer, God directs the Church. Msgr. Smith says, "that period is very important because they’re discerning, not choosing, but discerning who the successor to Peter should be next.”
Cardinals Track the Votes And Adjust Accordingly
Unlike a typical election, there’s no campaign trail, no televised debates—just the solemn, secret ballot.
Msgr. Smith explains that “each Cardinal will write his chosen candidate on his paper and then one at a time in front of everybody declare, ‘I declare that this is the person I think most suitable,’ and put the ballot in.”
Each round, they discern who gains support and where the Spirit may be leading them. Some perform better than expected, while others see their support dwindle. He says that in 1978, two expected candidates couldn’t gain enough votes, leading the cardinals to look elsewhere—eventually electing John Paul II.
The Moment Before Acceptance
Once a Cardinal reaches the required votes, the decision isn’t official. The elected Cardinal is first asked the question: “Do you accept your canonical election to the See of Peter?”
The moment he says “yes,” he becomes the next pope.
“There's a follow-on question: ‘What name do you choose?'” Msgr. Smith explains.
Afterward, the pope-elect enters the Room of Tears—a small, private chamber where he changes into his white papal garments. Why the name? Many new popes have wept there, overwhelmed by the responsibility suddenly placed on their shoulders.
The guys say that no one but God knows who will sit on the Chair of Saint Peter next, but when the time comes, the world will be watching, and the Church will be praying.