The Conclave is the most important process in the Catholic Church, where cardinals vote to elect the next Pope—the spiritual leader who will guide millions and shape history. Among the many ancient traditions that mark this monumental event, one stands out for its mystery: a ritual prayer, often described as an “exorcism,” seeking sacred purification and protection from dark influences.
This year, 133 cardinals from around the world have gathered in Vatican City. They’ve taken residence at Casa Santa Marta and convene daily in the Sistine Chapel for the secretive voting process. While modern Conclaves usually last days, in centuries past, they could stretch on for years.
As with every major Church process, rituals are not just tradition—they’re essential. Before the Conclave officially begins and the Sistine Chapel doors are sealed, the cardinals participate in a special Mass known as Pro eligendo Pontifice. Here, they recite a prayer that serves as a spiritual safeguard, metaphorically acting as an exorcism to protect them from negative forces and seek divine wisdom.
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This is the “Exorcism” Ritual That Cardinals Perform Before the Conclave
During this prayer, the cardinals invoke the Holy Spirit, asking for illumination and guidance to ensure a clear, sacred discernment in selecting the next Pope. They also seek God’s intervention to purify their hearts and minds, helping them set aside personal interests and resist any external influences.
Though the roots of this Mass stretch back centuries, it became the formal tradition we know today in the 20th century, notably solidified during the 1963 election that chose Pope Paul VI. Later, Pope John Paul II made the Pro eligendo Pontifice Mass a mandatory ritual before each Conclave.
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The Vatican understands that while cardinals are men of faith, they are also human. During a process as critical as the Conclave, spiritual challenges arise. Temptations like envy, pride, and self-interest can surface. This ritual prayer helps the cardinals acknowledge these human flaws and seek divine strength to overcome them—ensuring that the decision they make reflects God’s will, not earthly ambitions.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Carla Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
