The Conclave to elect the next Pope began this May 7, but choosing the spiritual and political leader of the Catholic Church is far from simple. All cardinals must agree on a single candidate — but what happens if the person chosen says no? Can a cardinal actually reject the papacy?
Let’s start with a key point: technically, anyone within the Church can be elected pope. But in modern times, it’s almost always one of the cardinals themselves who is chosen to lead the Vatican. And yes, there have been rare occasions throughout history when someone has turned it down.
See also: How Much Is the Vatican Spending on the Conclave? The Numbers Might Shock You
Can a Cardinal Say No to become The Pope?
Today, 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to cast their first votes. As of writing this, the first round has ended with black smoke — meaning no consensus was reached.
To be elected, a candidate must secure 89 votes, or two-thirds of the total, before the traditional phrase “Habemus Papam” can be announced. But even reaching that number doesn’t seal the deal. The person chosen is first asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
If the answer is no, there’s no shame or punishment. Quite the opposite — the decision is usually seen as an act of humility, a sign that the person recognizes their own limitations in taking on one of the most demanding roles in global religious leadership.
Though the Conclave is famously secretive, it’s known that candidates have sometimes declined after quiet reflection. When that happens, the voting resumes — but the cardinal who refused is no longer in the running.
If the answer is yes, a second question follows: “By what name will you be called?” That’s the moment the new Pope chooses his papal name. The cardinals then approach to show their respect — and the world learns the identity of the next Pontiff.
See also: When Will the Next Pope Be Chosen? Timeline and Process of the 2025 Conclave
The Last Time a Cardinal Refused to Become Pope
The last time a cardinal publicly declined the papacy was in 1978. Giovanni Colombo, then the Archbishop of Milan, reportedly received the majority of votes — but made it clear he would not accept under any circumstance, citing his age. The Conclave respected his decision and resumed voting, eventually electing Karol Wojtyla, later known as Pope John Paul II.
That papacy was followed by Benedict XVI — who famously resigned — and then Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
While names are rarely disclosed, there are persistent rumors that some cardinals quietly reject the possibility of becoming Pope before even reaching a vote majority. Given how private the Conclave is, we may never know who steps aside — but it wouldn’t be surprising if one of this year’s top contenders says “no” to becoming God’s representative on Earth.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Fernando Eslava in Cultura Colectiva.
