Surprising Anecdotes from Papal Conclaves Throughout History

Over the centuries, the elections of the 266 Popes of the Catholic Church have repeatedly encountered the upheavals of history. While in the early centuries, the successors of the Apostle Peter were elected by the faithful and clergy of Rome, then later by the cardinals alone, it was not until the 12th century that this gathering of prelates was codified in the form of a conclave (literally cum chiave, "locked with a key"). Prelates locked up for their own safety, an election that dragged on for nearly three years, cardinals sending coded messages to the outside world… From the 13th to the 20th century, here are seven surprising anecdotes from conclaves that have marked history.

The Longest Conclave in History (1268-1271)

The longest conclave in history took place from 1268 to 1271, lasting two years, nine months, and two days. It began in Viterbo, in central Italy. Several outlandish stories circulate about this election. Exasperated by the cardinals’ inability to agree, the population of the city… took matters into their own hands, as we will see.

The death of Pope Clement IV in 1268 left the papal throne vacant during a tumultuous period of political intrigue and conflict between powerful families in Italy. The College of Cardinals, deeply divided along factional lines, convened in Viterbo to elect a new Pope. However, their deliberations quickly became bogged down in deadlock. The cardinals, representing different political interests, proved unable to compromise and reach the two-thirds majority required for election.

As the months dragged on with no resolution in sight, the citizens of Viterbo grew increasingly impatient. The prolonged absence of a Pope disrupted the normal functioning of the Church and created a sense of instability. Frustrated by the cardinals’ inability to fulfill their duty, the people of Viterbo took drastic action. They locked the cardinals inside the Palazzo dei Papi, the papal palace, and gradually reduced their food rations in an attempt to pressure them into reaching a decision. Legend has it that the roof of the palace was even removed to expose the cardinals to the elements.

The harsh conditions and public pressure eventually had the desired effect. After nearly three years of deliberation, the cardinals finally elected Tedaldo Visconti as Pope Gregory X. Visconti was not even a cardinal at the time of his election; he was traveling in the Holy Land when he received the news. This unprecedentedly long conclave led Gregory X to establish stricter rules for future papal elections, including the complete isolation of the cardinals.

The Great Western Schism and Multiple Claimants (1378)

The election of 1378 was one of the most consequential and divisive in papal history. It led to the Great Western Schism, a period of nearly 40 years during which multiple claimants vied for the papacy, throwing the Church into chaos and undermining its authority.

Following the death of Pope Gregory XI, who had returned the papacy to Rome after a long period of residence in Avignon, France, the cardinals gathered in Rome to elect his successor. The Roman populace, fearing a return of the papacy to Avignon, violently pressured the cardinals to elect an Italian Pope. Under duress, the cardinals elected Bartolomeo Prignano, who took the name Pope Urban VI.

However, Urban VI quickly proved to be an authoritarian and unpredictable leader. His abrasive manner and harsh criticism of the cardinals alienated many of them. Several months after the election, a group of French cardinals declared Urban VI’s election invalid, claiming they had acted under duress. They then elected Robert of Geneva as Pope Clement VII, who established a rival papal court in Avignon.

The Western Schism divided Europe along political and national lines. Different kingdoms and regions supported different claimants to the papacy, leading to decades of conflict and confusion. The schism severely weakened the Church’s authority and credibility, paving the way for the rise of reform movements like those led by John Wycliffe and Jan Hus. The schism was finally resolved in 1417 with the election of Pope Martin V at the Council of Constance.

The "Sistine Chapel Incident" (Date Unknown – Implied Event)

While precise historical records may not explicitly label a singular event as the "Sistine Chapel Incident," the intense pressure, psychological strain, and close proximity inherent in papal conclaves have undoubtedly led to moments of high drama and unexpected behavior. Imagine the scene: dozens of cardinals, isolated from the outside world, confined to a relatively small space, and tasked with the weighty responsibility of choosing the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The very atmosphere of the Sistine Chapel, steeped in religious art and tradition, can be overwhelming. Combine this with the intense political maneuvering, the personal ambitions, and the spiritual gravity of the situation, and you have a recipe for tension and conflict.

One could envision a scenario where disagreements erupt into heated arguments, personal rivalries surface, or even acts of defiance occur. The pressures of isolation, the weight of expectation, and the potential for psychological manipulation could all contribute to unpredictable behavior among the cardinals. Even without a documented "incident," the potential for such occurrences remains a compelling aspect of the conclave process.

Coded Messages and External Influence (Various Conclaves)

Throughout history, attempts have been made to influence papal elections from the outside. Powerful rulers and political factions sought to secure the election of a Pope who would be favorable to their interests. To circumvent the strict isolation imposed on the cardinals during conclaves, various methods of communication were employed, including coded messages and secret intermediaries.

These messages might contain instructions, promises of reward, or even threats, designed to sway the cardinals’ votes. The use of coded language and clandestine networks made it difficult to detect and prevent these external influences. The potential for such interference raised concerns about the integrity of the election process and the independence of the Pope.

The Election of Pope Pius XII on the Eve of World War II (1939)

The election of Pope Pius XII in 1939 occurred on the eve of World War II, a time of great international tension and uncertainty. The cardinals were acutely aware of the looming threat of war and the need for a strong and decisive leader to guide the Church through the coming crisis.

Eugenio Pacelli, the Cardinal Secretary of State under Pope Pius XI, was widely considered the frontrunner in the election. He had extensive diplomatic experience and was well-versed in international affairs. However, some cardinals were wary of his close ties to Germany, where he had served as papal nuncio for many years.

Despite these concerns, Pacelli was elected Pope on the third ballot, taking the name Pius XII. His election was seen as a sign of continuity and stability during a time of great upheaval. Pius XII’s papacy would be dominated by the challenges of World War II and the subsequent Cold War.

The Smoke Signals and Public Anticipation (Throughout History)

One of the most enduring and iconic aspects of papal conclaves is the system of smoke signals used to communicate the outcome of the election to the waiting crowds outside St. Peter’s Basilica. Black smoke indicates that no Pope has been elected, while white smoke signals a successful election.

The use of smoke signals dates back to the early days of conclaves, when a simple method of communication was needed to inform the public of the election result. Originally, straw was burned along with the ballots to create black smoke. However, the color of the smoke was often ambiguous, leading to confusion and false alarms.

In more recent times, the process has been refined to ensure a clearer distinction between black and white smoke. Chemical additives are now used to produce smoke of a more distinct color. The anticipation surrounding the smoke signals creates a palpable sense of drama and excitement. Millions of people around the world watch and wait for the first puffs of smoke to emerge from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope.

The Secrecy and the Modern World (Contemporary Conclaves)

In the modern era, maintaining the secrecy of papal conclaves has become increasingly challenging. The advent of electronic communication, including mobile phones, internet access, and hidden cameras, poses a significant threat to the confidentiality of the election process.

To address these challenges, strict measures are taken to isolate the cardinals from the outside world. Mobile phones and other electronic devices are confiscated, and the Sistine Chapel is thoroughly checked for surveillance equipment. Despite these precautions, concerns remain about the potential for leaks and external interference. The desire to balance the need for secrecy with the principles of transparency and accountability remains a key challenge for the Church.

These are just a few of the many surprising and fascinating anecdotes from papal conclaves throughout history. Each election reflects the unique circumstances of its time and offers a glimpse into the complex world of Church politics and the enduring human quest for spiritual leadership. The conclave remains a unique and compelling event, steeped in tradition and shrouded in secrecy, a testament to the enduring power of the papacy.