To become pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds supermajority vote from the cardinal electors during the papal conclave. The number of votes required depends on the total number of cardinal electors present, which is typically limited to 120 but can vary slightly. For example, with 133 electors, at least 89 votes are needed to be elected pope

. The voting process involves secret ballots conducted up to four times a day until a candidate reaches this two-thirds majority. If no candidate achieves this after multiple rounds, there are pauses for prayer and reflection, and after a prolonged deadlock (usually after 33 or 34 ballots), a runoff between the top two candidates may occur, still requiring a two-thirds majority

. In summary:

• Eligible voters: Cardinals under 80 years old (cardinal electors), usually up to 120.
• Required votes: Two-thirds majority of cardinal electors.
• Example: For 133 electors, at least 89 votes needed.
• Voting rounds: Up to four per day, with breaks if no decision.
• Deadlock procedure: Runoff between top two candidates after ~33 ballots.

This two-thirds majority rule has been the standard since 1179, with some brief modifications reversed by Pope Benedict XVI to ensure broad consensus