The phrase conclave is derived from the Latin con (collectively) and clāvis (key). It means “a locked room” or “chamber”, reflecting its historic use to explain the locked gathering of cardinals to elect a pope.
Held within the Sistine Chapel, the assembly follows a centuries-old course of designed to make sure secrecy and prayerful deliberation. A two-thirds majority vote can be wanted to efficiently elect the 267th pope.
Historical past of the conclave
The formalised papal conclave dates again centuries. And varied popes have formed the method in response to the church’s wants.
Within the thirteenth century, for instance, Pope Gregory X launched strict laws to forestall unduly lengthy elections.
Pope Gregory X introduced within the guidelines to forestall a repeat of his personal expertise. The conclave that elected him in September 1271 (following the loss of life of Pope Clement IV in 1268) lasted virtually three years.
Additional changes had been made to streamline the method and emphasise secrecy, culminating in Pope John Paul II’s 1996 structure, Universi Dominici gregis (The Lord’s complete flock). This doc set the trendy framework for the conclave.
In 2007 and 2013, Benedict XVI reiterated {that a} two-thirds majority of written votes could be required to elect a brand new pope. He additionally reaffirmed penalties for breaches of secrecy.
The secrecy surrounding the conclave ensures the casting of ballots stays confidential, and with none exterior interference.
The final recognized try at exterior interference in a papal conclave occurred in 1903 when Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria sought to forestall the election of Cardinal Mariano Rampolla. Nonetheless, the assembled cardinals rejected this intervention, asserting the independence of the electoral course of.
How does voting work?
The conclave formally begins between 15 and 20 days after the papal emptiness, however can begin earlier if all cardinals eligible to vote have arrived. Logistical particulars, such because the funeral rites for the deceased pope, may affect the general timeline.
Traditionally, the precise variety of votes required to elect a brand new pope has fluctuated. Beneath present guidelines, a minimal two-thirds majority is required. If a number of rounds of balloting fail to yield a end result, the method can proceed for days, and even weeks.
After each few inconclusive rounds, cardinals pause for prayer and reflection. This course of continues till one candidate receives the two-thirds majority required to win. The ultimate candidates don’t vote for themselves within the decisive spherical.
The poll paper previously used within the conclave, with ‘I elect as Supreme Pontiff’ written in Latin.
Wikimedia Commons
How is voting stored secret?
The papal conclave is solely closed to the general public. Voting is carried out by secret poll inside the Sistine Chapel within the Apostolic Palace, the pope’s official residence.
Throughout the conclave, the Sistine Chapel is sealed off from outdoors communication. No cameras are allowed, and there’s no stay broadcast.
The cardinals concerned swear an oath of absolute secrecy, and face the specter of excommunication whether it is violated. This ensures all discussions and voting stay strictly confidential.
The enduring white smoke, produced by burning ballots as soon as a pope has been chosen, is the one public sign that the election has concluded.
A January 2018 {photograph} of Pope Francis and diplomats within the Sistine Chapel, following a standard New Yr’s viewers.
Ettorre Ferrari/EPA
Who might be elected?
Solely cardinals who’re below 80 years of age on the time of conclave’s graduation can vote. Older cardinals are free to attend preparatory conferences, however can’t solid ballots.
Whereas the full variety of electors is meant to not exceed 120, the fluctuating nature of cardinal appointments, in addition to age restrictions, make it tough to foretell the precise variety of eligible voters at any given conclave.
Technically, any baptised Catholic man might be elected pope. In follow, nonetheless, the Faculty of Cardinals historically chooses certainly one of its personal members. Electing an “outsider” is extraordinarily uncommon, and has not occurred in trendy occasions.
What makes an excellent candidate?
When confronted with criticism from a member of the general public about his weight, John XXIII (who was pope from 1958-1963) retorted the papal conclave was “not a exactly beauty contest”.
Benefit, theological understanding, administrative ability and world perspective matter significantly. However there’s additionally a collegial aspect – one thing of a “popularity” issue. It’s an election, in any case.
Cardinals talk about the church’s present priorities – be they evangelisation methods, administrative reforms or pastoral issues – earlier than deciding on the person they consider is finest suited to steer.
The cardinal electors search somebody who can unify the trustworthy, navigate trendy challenges and keep doctrinal continuity.
As of this week, there are between 130 and 140 cardinals eligible to vote for the brand new pope.
Andrew Medichini/AP
Controversies and criticisms
The conclave course of has confronted criticism for its strict secrecy, which may foster hypothesis about potential “politicking”.
Critics argue a tightly managed atmosphere won’t mirror the broader issues of the worldwide church.
Some have additionally questioned whether or not age limits on voting cardinals restrict the knowledge and expertise discovered amongst older members.
Nonetheless, defenders keep that secrecy encourages free and honest deliberation, minimising exterior stress and permitting cardinals to decide on one of the best chief with out worry of reprisal, or of public opinion swaying the vote.
Challenges dealing with the brand new pope
The subsequent pope will inherit a combined state of affairs: a church that has grown stronger in sure areas below Francis, but which grapples with inner divisions and exterior challenges.
Like different religions, the church faces secularisation, points with monetary transparency and a waning following in some components of the globe.
One of many earliest trials confronted by the brand new pope can be unifying the worldwide Catholic neighborhood round a shared imaginative and prescient – an impediment virtually each pope has confronted. Hanging the suitable stability between doctrine and pastoral sensitivity stays essential.
Addressing sexual abuse scandals and their aftermath would require decisive motion, transparency and continued pastoral take care of survivors.
Sensible issues additionally loom massive. The brand new pope should handle the Vatican paperwork and interfaith relations, whereas sustaining the church’s stance on world crises comparable to migration and poverty – two points on which Francis insisted mercy couldn’t be non-obligatory.
The cardinal electors have a tricky determination forward of them. The Catholic neighborhood can solely pray that, via their deliberations, they determine a shepherd who can information the church via the complexities of the trendy world.
