How to choose a pope
Rebecca Rist discusses the history of papal elections – from the origins of the process to the times it hasn't gone quite to plan
Published: May 9, 2025 at 7:30 AM
All eyes have been on the Vatican in recent days, as the conclave to decide who will be the next pope is underway. But how does the process today compare to that of past centuries? What have been some of the most dramatic papal elections down the centuries? And was there ever really a female pope? Matt Elton caught up with expert in papal history Rebecca Rist to find out more.
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Authors
Matt EltonDeputy Editor, BBC History Magazine
Matt Elton is BBC History Magazine’s Deputy Editor. He has worked at the magazine since 2012 and has more than a decade’s experience working across a range of history brands.
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