The conclave was dominated by factions loyal to the cardinal nephews of Alexander VII and Urban VIII.

The conclave also saw Spain and France, the two largest Catholic powers at the time, both support Rospigliosi's election as pope.

After his election Alexander VII had initially been opposed to nepotism, refusing to name a cardinal nephew.

[2] Christina, Queen of Sweden, who had abdicated the Swedish throne and moved to Rome before converting to the Catholic Church, served as the secular supporter of the group, and became particularly close to Decio Azzolino.

Between the time of his death and the opening of the conclave on 2 June 1667, two of the cardinals had died, and four members had yet to arrive in Rome.

Of that group, 10 did not accept Flavio Chigi, Alexander's cardinal nephew, as their leader because his lifestyle was considered unseemly.

Farnese was not acceptable to the Flying Squadron, which left the conclave with Rospigliosi and d'Elci as the only viable options.

Between the morning scrutiny and the one held in the evening, Charles d'Albert d'Ailly, the French ambassador in Rome, promised Flavio Chigi income from France.