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 even conflict with your stated goals. Strategic use of Influence is at the core of the game. This resource serves dual purposes: it’s the currency for playing powerful cards and swaying the vote, but it’s also your Victory Points, so spend it wisely. Each round, you’ll 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, as 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. Will your cunning and diplomacy lead to the rise of a Candidate who embodies your ideals—or will your secret ambitions remain unfulfilled? The path to power in the Sistine Chapel is yours to navigate. —description from the publisher
- Habemus Papam
