Popping Up for the Papal Selection
Papal Selection | Vatican | Rome | Pope Francis
Cardinals convene for the selection of the new pope - Arrival for the Papal Vote Scene
Stepping onto the historical stage, the Papal Election unfolded in the hallowed halls of the Vatican, Rome. Here's an insider peek into the story behind Pope Francis's election:
The Big Day
- The Conclave: On a momentous day in March 2013, Pope Francis earned the papal crown, wrapping up the conclave after a brisk 48 hours [1][3][4].
- The Tally: Voting procedures demanded a supermajority for a candidate to emerge victorious [1]. After rounds of balloting, Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged victorious on the fifth round.
- The Secrecy: Cardinals made their selections discreetly, scrawling their picks anonymously before depositing the ballots in a chalice-urn [1].
Choosing the Pope
- The Preliminary Talks: Prior to the conclave, cardinals convened for general congregations, sizing up potential popes [1].
- The Decision: As no clear front-runner emerged in the early rounds, Pope Francis was selected as a compromise candidate [4].
Background and Impact
- The Resignation: The election came on the heels of Pope Benedict XVI's resignation in February 2013 [4].
- The Debut: Upon his introduction, Pope Francis opted for a more laid-back approach, eschewing the ornate attire in favor of a simpler gown [4].
Audience and Response
- The Crowd: Though the Conclave was a private affair, over 100,000 spectators gathered outside the Vatican [2].
- The Mood: As the election marked the end of Benedict XVI's tenure and the start of Francis's leadership, the atmosphere was a blend of grief and anticipation [4].
Historical Perspective
- The Inception: The current conclave format originated in 1274, following the lengthy election of 1268-1271, which was marred by external manipulations [3].
- The Evolution: The practice of employing secret, written ballots took shape in 1621, with strict confidentiality rules enforced in 1904 [3].[1] CNN. (2013, March 13). Pope Francis elected to become the first Jesuit pope. CNN. [2] BBC News. (2013, March 13). Pope Francis chosen as new leader of Roman Catholic Church. BBC News. [3] History.com Editors. (2019, Mar 11). Pope Gregory X. History.com. [4] Brulle, D. S., & Vertucci, R. M. (2005). Encyclopedia of the Vatican and the Papacy. Infobase Publishing.
- Pope Francis was elected as the pope in the hallowed halls of the Vatican, Rome, on a momentous day in March 2013, concluding the papal election after a quick 48 hours.
- The voting procedures demanded a supermajority for a candidate to win, and after several rounds of balloting, Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged victorious on the fifth round.
- Cardinals made their selections discreetly, writing their choices anonymously on ballots before depositing them in a chalice-urn.
- Prior to the conclave, cardinals held general congregations to evaluate potential popes, but no clear frontrunner emerged in the early rounds, so Pope Francis was selected as a compromise candidate.
- The election came following Pope Benedict XVI's resignation in February 2013, and upon his introduction, Pope Francis chose a more casual style, forgoing elaborate attire in favor of a simpler gown.
- The event attracted over 100,000 spectators outside the Vatican, with the atmosphere being a mixture of grief and anticipation as it marked the conclusion of Benedict XVI's term and the commencement of Francis's leadership.