The first formal papal conclave was held in 1276 in Arezzo, Italy, for the election of Pope Innocent V.

Quick Scoop

  • The first official papal conclave took place in 1276 after the decree Ubi periculum established strict rules for electing popes in seclusion.
  • It was held in Arezzo, Tuscany , and resulted in the election of Pope Innocent V.
  • The move to a locked, highly regulated election was meant to prevent long vacancies of the papal office and political interference.

In other words, while popes had been elected in various ways before, the system recognizable as a “conclave” today—cardinals locked in until they choose a pope—starts in 1276.