The Papal Conclave: A History of Mystery, Intrigue, and Unexpected Turns
The papal conclave, steeped in ancient rituals and shrouded in secrecy, holds the world’s attention as cardinals gather to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church. Starting this Wednesday, eyes will be fixed on the Vatican, as the process unfolds with a time honored, yet ever-evolving tradition. The core principle remains constant: eligible cardinals sequester themselves until a two-thirds majority agrees on a successor to the Holy See, casting their ballots within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel.
However, the path to selecting a pope hasn’t always been so standardized. Throughout history, papal elections have varied wildly, ranging from lightning-fast decisions to protracted stalemates that dragged on for years. Intriguingly, a conclave has even been held outside of Italy, within the borders of Germany. Delving into the history of conclaves reveals a tapestry of curious anecdotes, unexpected locations, and dramatic interventions.
One of the most remarkable examples of a drawn-out election is the papal conclave that began in November 1268. Lasting a staggering 33 months, almost three full years, the cardinals were deeply divided. Factions within the College of Cardinals championed either an Italian or a French candidate, creating a seemingly insurmountable impasse. The election proceedings took place in Viterbo, a city north of Rome, and local residents grew increasingly impatient with the cardinals’ inability to reach a decision. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the citizens of Viterbo took matters into their own hands. To expedite the election, they removed the roof of the building where the cardinals were meeting, exposing them to the elements. Furthermore, they imposed strict rations on the cardinals’ food supply, hoping that the discomfort and scarcity would force them to compromise. The drastic measures eventually worked. On September 1, 1271, the cardinals finally reached an agreement, electing Gregory X as the new pope.
Witnessing this election marathon, the Catholic Church decided to reform the papal selection process under the leadership of Pope Gregory X (1271-1276). Prior to this, papal elections could occur with incredible speed, sometimes on the very day of the previous pope’s death. In 1274, Gregory X mandated a waiting period of at least ten days before the first ballot could be cast. This was later extended to fifteen days, allowing for a period of mourning and deliberation. In contrast to the protracted election of Gregory X, the shortest conclave in history took place on October 31, 1503, when Julius II (1503-1513) was elected in a matter of hours.
Today, the conclave is inextricably linked to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The world anxiously awaits the signal of white smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney, indicating that a new pope has been chosen. Papal elections first occurred under Michelangelo’s famed frescoed ceiling in 1492. Since 1878, the Sistine Chapel has been the permanent location for papal conclaves. However, before this standardization, papal elections took place in a variety of locations. On six occasions, popes were elected in France. The last conclave held outside of Rome took place in Venice in 1800. Fearing the influence of Napoleon, the cardinals sought a location closer to Austria, ensuring their relative safety and independence. A conclave also occurred in Germany during the Council of Constance in November 1417, resulting in the election of Martin V.
In modern discussions of the conclave, the term "young pope" often refers to a candidate in their 60s. However, Pope John XII was only around 18 years old when he became the head of the Catholic Church in 955. In contrast, Coelestine III, elected in 1191, and Coelestine V, elected in 1294, were both almost 85 years old when they assumed the papacy. Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was 76 years old when he ascended to the head of the Catholic Church. These stark age differences highlight the diverse range of individuals who have held the highest office in the Catholic Church.
The papal conclave remains a significant event in both religious and global spheres. Its historical evolution, filled with periods of extreme length, surprising locations, and the occasional intervention from outside forces, demonstrates the complex interplay of spiritual, political, and social factors that have shaped the selection of popes throughout history. As the cardinals gather once again, the world awaits the outcome of this ancient and fascinating process.
