Step into the heart of the Conclave, where tradition, intrigue, and ambition collide. In Habemus Papam, players take on the roles of Cardinal factions, each representing distinct interests within the Catholic Church. Your mission? To influence the election of the next Pope by supporting a candidate whose traits align with your faction's public profile — covering their stance on the church, age, personality, and origin — while secretly pursuing a hidden agenda that might conflict with your stated goals.

Strategic use of influence is at the core of the game. This resource serves dual purposes; influence is the currency for playing powerful cards and swaying the vote, but it's also your points, so spend it wisely. Each round, you gain more influence by advancing your interests through candidates who garner widespread support, but negotiation is crucial.

Forge alliances, eliminate threats, and outmaneuver rivals to secure your faction's dominance. Deduction plays a vital role because uncovering the hidden motives of others can shift the balance of power.

At the end of each of the first four rounds, the Conclave may declare a "Fumata Blanca" — crowning a Pope and triggering final scoring — or a "Fumata Negra", signaling another round of intrigue. If no Pope is elected after five rounds, the game concludes with or without a Pontiff, and the final score is tallied.