Papal Conclave
The Papal Conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church for the purpose of electing a new Pope. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Origins: The term "conclave" comes from the Latin "cum clave," meaning "with a key," reflecting the practice of locking the cardinals in seclusion until a new pope is elected. This practice was formalized in the 13th century following the prolonged election of Pope Gregory X, which took nearly three years.
- First Conclave: The first formal conclave was held in 1274 under the regulations set by Pope Gregory X, which included seclusion and a strict timetable for voting.
Process
- Eligibility: Only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time the Sede Vacante (vacant seat) begins are eligible to participate in the conclave.
- Seclusion: The cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel for the duration of the conclave, with no contact with the outside world except for necessary communications like medical emergencies.
- Voting:
- Two votes are taken each morning and two each afternoon until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
- If a ballot does not produce a result after several days, a more simplified ballot might be used, although this provision was removed in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI.
- Ballots: Each ballot is burned after the vote. Black smoke indicates no decision, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been elected.
Rules and Traditions
- Secrecy: The proceedings are highly secretive, with cardinals taking an oath not to disclose details of the conclave.
- Accommodations: The cardinals reside in simple rooms within the Apostolic Palace during the conclave.
- Mass: The conclave begins with a Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, where the cardinals pray for divine guidance.
Recent Conclaves
- 2005: Following the death of Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected as Pope Benedict XVI after four ballots over two days.
- 2013: After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the cardinals elected Pope Francis (Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio) in just two days.
External Links
See Also