As the Sistine Chapel prepares to host a record 133 cardinals starting May 7, the stage is set for a high-stakes conclave—complete with secret ballots, burnt preferences, and possibly some smoky drama as they search for the next pope.

This conclave follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and could last several days as cardinals cast their votes in secrecy, await dramatic smoke signals, and grapple with the weight of choosing a leader who may either continue Francis's progressive reforms or head back to tradition. Given that 80% of the cardinals were appointed by Francis, the odds of a dramatic overhaul seem as low as the chances of shutting down a Rome café: virtually zero.

The conclave kicks off with a solemn oath, where each of the 133 cardinal electors swears to uphold strict secrecy as they embark on the most secretive voting known to humanity—unless you count clandestine school elections. Breaking the silence is serious business; failure to comply can lead to excommunication. So while the cardinals may not be allowed to take phone calls or send messages via carrier pigeon, one thing is for certain: they won’t be sharing the gory details of their ballot choices over espresso anytime soon.

Each day of voting tends to start off slowly; the initial day only allows room for one vote. The anticipation builds, much like waiting for a loaf of bread to rise. After each round, unsuccessful ballots will be tossed into a flame, generating black smoke—a distress signal reminiscent of not getting your favorite dish on a busy restaurant night.

If, however, white smoke were to stream out from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, it would signal that a new pope has been elected. In recent history, the favoured methods of communication during a conclave are essentially limited to smoke signals; perhaps the cardinals should have taken some cues from the ancient Greeks when deciding how to convey their decisions. The chimney itself, a modern installation, previously only smoked like a chimney when a particularly spirited pizza was taken out of the oven.

The conclave has been designed for utmost confidentiality. Daily sweeps are conducted to ensure that no one has accidentally wandered in with some piece of technology that would lead to awkward leaks. You can imagine the panic: a cardinal trying to swipe right in the middle of a vote could lead to all sorts of holy mishaps.

As the days roll on, the cardinals will likely find themselves wandering to the Room of Tears—where, after being chosen, the new pope goes to contemplate the scope of his new responsibilities. It’s presumably not the coziest place for a quiet moment, but who wouldn’t want to reflect on their choices in a room that sounds like it was specifically designed for those contemplating divine decisions? One does hope it has a nice view or at least a comfortable chair.

What will the cardinals bring to the table when it comes to the papacy? Past conclaves suggest that it’s unlikely we’ll have a pope elected on the first day; candidates may need a bit more time to sift through their options like a confused consumer at a wine shop. The last time someone nabbed the position on the first outing was about as long ago as when people still thought Y2K was a thing.

While the chamber is filled with anticipation, both for the white smoke and the new papal identity, it’s also a significant point of contention—will the next pope promote the church's progressive reforms fueled by Francis, or will they retreat into older traditions? The conversations buzzing behind the sacred wallpaper must be riveting. It’s quite the gamble: one might even say it’s easier to understand a cryptic emoji than predict which way the cardinals might sway!

The ballots themselves are adorned with the inscription 'Eligo in Summum Pontificem,' translating loosely to 'I choose as Supreme Pontiff'—a phrase which could double as a motivational quote for those who find decision-making exhilarating. Each ballot carries a weighty purpose: choosing a new leader who may, or may not, have aspirations that align closely with those of the much-loved departed pontiff.

As the conclave unfolds, we can expect a multitude of prayers whispered, and perhaps a few raised eyebrows, all performed under the arching ceilings of Michelangelo's masterpiece. But it’s the resulting choices that prompt collective speculation and spirited debates throughout most of Christendom. Perhaps all we’ll need to do is keep an eye on that chimney; they say communication is crucial, but in this case, it’s probably smoky trails that will lead us to a new papal chapter.

For now, all we can do is sit back and take note as one of the grandest decision-making processes—one that manages to dodge modern conveniences—is set into motion amidst the frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel. As for what the cardinals will ultimately decide, it may service well to keep a close eye on the smoke; while the soporific prayers of cardinals can be quite stirring, it’s the color of the smoke dancing through the air that will reveal the most valuable of secrets.