Habemus Papam

Salt & Pepper Games · Board game · 2025
3–6 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 2.2/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 37.69
8.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

For those who enjoy a game with hidden roles and lots of negotiation, Habemus Papam is quite a pick! The papal throne contest is full of bluffs and alliances.

Highlights
  • Intrigue and hidden roles
  • Intense player negotiation
  • Unique religious theme
  • Clever use of influence
Keep in mind
  • May require translated materials
  • Player interaction dependent
  • Moderate complexity
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey everyone! Ready to don the robes and step into the Sistine Chapel? In Habemus Papam, you're cardinals with your own agendas, and the mission is clear: elect the next Pope! But don't be fooled, each of you has a secret agenda that may or may not align with your public stance. Think alliances, bluffs, and plenty of negotiation to get your candidate to the papal throne. Influence is the game's currency: use it to play powerful cards and secure votes, but remember it also counts as points at the end. Each round offers a chance to gain more influence, but be careful not to spend it all! Deduction is key to figuring out other cardinals' intentions and turning the tables. Every four rounds, we might get the "Fumata Branca" (Pope elected, game over!) or the "Fumata Negra" (another round of intrigue). If no one agrees after five rounds, the game ends anyway, and we tally the scores. It's a game for 3 to 6 players, with sessions lasting about 45 to 60 minutes, requiring a bit of cunning and smooth talking. The complexity is moderate, so if you enjoy games with hidden roles, negotiation, and a spicy religious theme, this might be the right pick. Just be aware that translated materials might be helpful for smoother gameplay.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 OK
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Gamefound Political: Elections Religious: Christianity Religious: Pope
Publisher Salt & Pepper Games
Designer Francisco Gradaille
Artist Jasper Rietman

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the main objective of Habemus Papam?
The objective is to influence the election of the next Pope by supporting candidates who align with your interests (public or secret) and accumulating the most influence points.
How many players can participate in a game?
Habemus Papam is designed for 3 to 6 players.
How long does a game typically last?
A game of Habemus Papam usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Does the game require a lot of reading, or can it be played without knowing English?
The game has a moderate language dependency. You might need a guide or translated cards to make gameplay smoother.
What is the complexity level of Habemus Papam?
The game's average weight is 2.2/5, indicating moderate complexity, accessible to those with some board game experience.
What kind of mechanics will I find in Habemus Papam?
You'll be using hand management, area majority/influence, betting and bluffing, hidden roles, and a lot of negotiation to win.
Who is Habemus Papam most recommended for?
It's ideal for groups who enjoy games with high social interaction, negotiation, bluffing, and a unique, engaging theme like the papal election process.

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