How They Choose a New Pope
There doesn’t appear to be a leading candidate to succeed Francis ...
As we prepare for the election of a new Pope, replacing the beloved Francis, I recall writing about a Papal Conclave in my novel, The Secret of Fátima. In the book, I describe in some detail the process and ritual of the Papal election by the Conclave. Speaking of Conclaves, viewing of the recent film “Conclave” spiked dramatically after the death of Francis.
I hope the appetite for Vatican stories will lead to renewed interest in The Secret of Fátima, now available in a new, expanded edition.
Historically, a Pope was typically elected with at least a two-thirds majority of the vote by the College of Cardinals. This requirement was formalized to ensure that the elected Pope had wide support among the cardinals. However, in 1996, Pope John Paul II issued "Universi Dominici Gregis," which allowed for a pope to be elected by a simple majority after a certain number of failed ballots have been cast.
In life, and in The Secret of Fátima, that’s what happens when the Conclave is deadlocked and can’t reach a two-thirds majority decision. That’s when a compromise candidate emerges, and it is usually a surprise choice. You’ll see if you read the book!
To complicate matters, in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued a motu proprio, De aliquibus mutationibus in normis de electione Romani Pontificis, reinstating the traditional requirement of a two-thirds majority for the entire Conclave process, effectively repealing John Paul II's 1996 provision.
(Are you still with me?)
So we’re back to the two-thirds majority requirement. Sounds a bit like the U.S. Senate requirement for 60 votes on most matters to invoke cloture and end any filibuster attempt to stop the vote.
There doesn’t appear to be a leading candidate to succeed Francis, although a dozen or so cardinals are considered papabile, or capable of being pope. It’s interesting that this term is sometimes used in evaluating a corporate or political candidate’s readiness for a tough job.
The conclave gets to work in a couple of weeks. We’ll see whether their choice is easy or hard, and who emerges as the next spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics. I’m not predicting a quick decision.
