Waiting for the White Smoke? Here's How Long the Last 10 Popes Took

8 May 2025 — The election of a pope is one of the most significant moments in the life of the Catholic Church. Held behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel, the papal conclave is a process rich in tradition and spiritual discernment. While white smoke signals the world that a new pope has been chosen, the number of ballots cast during each conclave offers a glimpse into how quickly or arduously consensus was reached. Here's how many ballots and days were required to elect the last ten popes: 

1. Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) – 2013 

Ballots: 5 

Days: 2 (March 12–13, 2013) 

Pope Francis was elected on the second day of the conclave, during the fifth ballot. His election followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and came as a surprise to many. 

2. Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) – 2005 

Ballots: 4 

Days: 2 (April 18–19, 2005) 

One of the shortest conclaves in modern history, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected pope on the second day of voting, during the fourth ballot. 

3. Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła) – 1978 

Ballots: 8 

Days: 3 (October 14–16, 1978) 

Elected on the third day after eight ballots, Pope John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. His election followed the brief papacy of John Paul I. 

4. Pope John Paul I (Albino Luciani) – 1978 

Ballots: 4 

Days: 2 (August 25–26, 1978) 

Known as the “Smiling Pope,” John Paul I was elected quickly, on the second day of the conclave. His papacy, however, lasted only 33 days. 

5. Pope Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Montini) – 1963 

Ballots: 6 

Days: 3 (June 19–21, 1963) 

After the death of John XXIII, Paul VI was elected on the third day of the conclave. He continued the work of the Second Vatican Council. 

6. Pope John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli) – 1958 

Ballots: 11 

Days: 4 (October 25–28, 1958) 

Elected on the fourth day, Pope John XXIII’s election came after a longer process. He would go on to call the Second Vatican Council, a transformative moment for the Church. 

7. Pope Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli) – 1939 

Ballots: 3 

Days: 2 (March 1–2, 1939) 

His election was swift—concluded in just two days and three ballots—making it one of the fastest in modern history. 

8. Pope Pius XI (Achille Ratti) – 1922 

Ballots: 14 

Days: 5 (February 2–6, 1922) 

The conclave lasted five days, with 14 ballots cast before Ratti was elected. He was the first pope to use radio for communication. 

9. Pope Benedict XV (Giacomo della Chiesa) – 1914 

Ballots: 10 

Days: 4 (August 31–September 3, 1914) 

Elected on the fourth day of the conclave, amid the outbreak of World War I, Benedict XV worked tirelessly for peace during the conflict. 

10. Pope Pius X (Giuseppe Sarto) – 1903 

Ballots: 7 

Days: 5 (July 31–August 4, 1903) 

Elected on the fifth day, his conclave was marked by political tensions, including an attempted veto by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image credit: ABP News