Pope choice in the conclave: cardinals in isolation for the new Holy Father!

Pope choice in the conclave: cardinals in isolation for the new Holy Father!

After the death and burial of Pope Francis, the cardinals of the Catholic Church regularly meet in "General Congregations". These meetings serve to advise the current Situation of the church and the world and to discuss the profile of the next Pope. The conclave is expected to be convened at the beginning of next week, which should take place after a nine -day mourning period. The conclave is held in the Sistine chapel, where the cardinals are isolated from the outside world. The church historian Hubert Wolf describes the place of the event as the place in which the deputy of Christ is elected, and emphasizes the historical meaning of the conclusion, which has been taking place behind closed doors for around 750 years, how ots.at reports.

The term "concrete" is derived from the Latin "Cum Clave", which means "with the key". Historically, the first conclave took place in Viterbo in 1271 when cardinals had not chosen a successor for three years. During the upcoming conclusion, 133 cardinals entitled to vote are expected to be present, while two will be missing due to illness. In order to accelerate the election, rules were issued that aim to reduce contact with the outside world. For example, cell phones and laptops have to be handed over before entering the Sixtina and the windows of the rooms are sealed, as ilmessaggero.it.

electoral process and functionality of the conclave

Current rules of the conclusion are based on the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" by John Paul II from 1996. This provides for a required two -thirds majority to choose the Pope. If the cardinals do not choose a new Pope within 30 ballots in ten days, you can use simpler majorities, a rule that was introduced by Johannes Paul II. Benedict XVI. This rule adapted so that after 34 votes a runoff election can be carried out between the most elected candidates. These votes take place according to a strict ceremony, whereby each cardinal is making an oath and the results are burned after each coordination in order to maintain the secrecy, according to kosmo.at.

The cardinals are housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae during the voting period. The conclave is directed by a dean of the Cardinal College, which holds a mass for the election of the Pope. The evening after the first vote, which usually takes place on the first day of the conclave, four votes follow every day. In order to make the choice transparent and fair, the voters are determined by lot and the ballot papers are given anonymously.

historical development of the conclusion

The process of choice of pope has changed over the centuries. Before the 12th century, the choice was more open, and kings and rulers also had an impact. Pope Alexander III. In 1179, the two -thirds majority determined as a rule that is still valid to choose a new Pope. The elections in Viterbo, like the choice of Coelestin IV, which lasted two months, and that of Gregor X., are a special historical moment. In the 20th century, significant reforms ensured a modernization of the election process.

The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. the Catholic Church presented new challenges because it was the first conclave after a voluntary waiver. The Covid 19 pandemic also brought additional requirements, especially with regard to the safety protocols for cardinals. The confidentiality of the conclusion must be preserved in all respects, and digital transmissions are also excluded.