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The term "conclave" can also be used to refer to any private assembly, although its primary connotation is the Papal conclave.

The term "conclave" can also be used to refer to any private assembly, although its primary connotation is the Papal conclave.

== Procedure ==

== Procedure ==

"Conclaves must begin within 15 to 20 days after a pope dies or resigns. Upon the pope's death, the dean of the College of Cardinals calls the cardinal electors to the Vatican. There are currently 135 of them. To join the conclave, cardinals must be under 80 years old. During the conclave, the cardinals live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a [modest three-star] hotel-like facility next to St. Peter's Basilica."<ref>https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/nx-s1-5304054/conclave-pope-chosen-francis-dies-white-black-smoke</ref>

"Conclaves must begin within 15 to 20 days after a pope dies or resigns. Upon the pope's death, the dean of the College of Cardinals calls the cardinal electors to the Vatican. There are currently 135 of them. To join the conclave, cardinals must be under 80 years old. During the conclave, the cardinals live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a [modest three-star] hotel-like facility next to [[St. Peter's Basilica]]."<ref>https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/nx-s1-5304054/conclave-pope-chosen-francis-dies-white-black-smoke</ref>

Secrecy and seclusion govern a conclave, based on an oath. Excommunication occurs for any breach.

Secrecy and seclusion govern a conclave, based on an oath. Excommunication occurs for any breach.