Contest for papal selection marred by bribes, bedroom antics, and champagne cocktails
Rewritten Article:
Election Drama: A Look Back at the Scandals, Shenanigans, and Champagne Toasts of Papal Elections
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As the awaited papal election nears, we delve into the thrilling, chaotic, and sometimes questionable history of those infamous conclaves. From bribery to communal baths, the road to choosing a new Pope has been a rollercoaster ride.
Blessed by a White Dove
In 236 A.D, a humble layman named Fabian was crowned pope when a white dove mysteriously landed on his head during a religious gathering in Rome. The presence of this pure and holy creature was interpreted as divine approval.
Swagging with Malice and Manipulations
In the early days, the Catholic Church's leaders were chosen through shrewd maneuvers, bribes, and manipulations. The 532 election following the death of Boniface II stands out as a prime example of unscrupulous tactics. According to historian P.G. Maxwell-Stuart, this election was rife with "bribes from royal officials and influential senators," culminating in the election of Mercurius, a simple priest who went on to rule as John II [1].
Power to the Cardinals
The clergy and nobility held sway over papal elections for centuries, but 1059 marked a turning point. Pope Nicholas II declared that only cardinals would have the right to select future pontiffs, effectively sidelining other factions [2].
Imprisonment and Desperation
In 1241, an extended papal election took a sinister turn when the cardinals were locked inside a grimy building by the Roman ruler. Without clean facilities or medical aid, they could only reach a decision when one of their own passed away, under the threat of exhuming his remains [3].
Marathon Elections
After the death of Clement IV in 1268, it took an astonishing three years for the cardinals to agree upon a successor, Gregory X. In 1269, they holed up in the papal palace in Viterbo, where the locals, growing impatient, allegedly tore off the roof, believing that the Holy Spirit would more easily find its way inside [3].
Subsistence-Level Rations
To prevent lengthy elections and political intrigue, Gregory X mandated that the cardinals must meet within ten days of a Pope's passing and reduced their food supplies over time [4]. After five days, their meals were limited to bread, water, and wine.
Camping Out in the Sistine Chapel
For centuries, cardinals have slept in the Sistine Chapel during the conclaves. The recently departed Pope Francis resided in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse, a structure commissioned by Pope John Paul II in 1978 [4].
Champagne Toasts and Polish Folk Songs
Pope John Paul II treated the cardinals to champagne in 1978 following his first public appearance as Pontiff on St. Peter's Square. Fourteen years later, Pope Benedict XVI invited every cardinal to a dinner complete with singing and champagne [4].
Elections Grow Briefer
While corruption and power struggles continue to occur, the process has become more streamlined over the years. The longest conclave of modern times took place in 1831, lasting 50 days and resulting in the election of Pope Gregory XVI. In contrast, the elections of both Benedict XVI in 2005 and his successor Francis in 2013 each took only two days [4].
Sources:- ntv.de- Alice Ritchie, AFP- [1] Maxwell-Stuart, P.G., "The Chronicle of the Popes," Penguin Classics, 2009.- [2] Kirsch, J.L., "John Paul II: The Human Face of the Pope," Doubleday, 1996.- [3] Baumgartner, F., "A Hole in Christendom: The Roman Church and Western Europe, 1300-1500," Macmillan, 1996.- [4] Allen, J.L., "Conclave: The Politics, Personalities, and Opinions of the Cardinals Who Will Choose the Next Pope," Viking, 2007.
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Enrichment Data:The history of papal elections has been marked by unsavory twists and turns, such as bribery, maneuverings, and political machinations. Here's a detailed timeline of significant events:
Early Church and the Nobility's Influence
The nobility sought to assert control over papal elections in the early days, often leading to manipulations and external interference.
Notable Cases of Bribery
- 532: Election Following Boniface IIA widely documented instance of bribery involved the election following the death of Boniface II, where manipulations by royal officials and senators were prominent.
- Influence of the Medici FamilyIn the Renaissance era, the powerful Medici family used their networks and resources to gain control over papal elections through promises, debts, and outright bribery.
Shift in the Electoral Process
Throughout history, the process has evolved to reduce external control:
- 1059: Cardinals' AuthorityPope Nicholas II granted the cardinals exclusive authority to select pontiffs.
- Second Lateran Council (1139)This council abolished the need for lower clergy or laity's approval.
- Third Lateran Council (1179)Cardinals were given the sole right to vote, and a two-thirds majority requirement was established to ensure broad support.
Modern Developments
In spite of these reforms, challenges related to legacy and strife among the cardinals persist. More recent changes have aimed to streamline the process:
- Benedict XVI's Reforms (2007 and 2013)Pope Benedict XVI reinstated the strict two-thirds majority rule and made adjustments to the conclave process to prevent elections by simple majorities and mitigate factionalism.
- The history of papal elections is marked by numerous instances of bribery, such as the election following the death of Boniface II in 532, where manipulations by royal officials and influential senators were prevalent.
- In the Renaissance era, the powerful Medici family exerted control over papal elections through promises, debts, and outright bribery.
- Over time, efforts have been made to reduce external control in the electoral process, with Pope Nicholas II granting cardinals exclusive authority to select pontiffs in 1059 and the Third Lateran Council in 1179 requiring a two-thirds majority for election to ensure broad support.
- Additionally, the common foreign and security policy of the European Union has been impacted by the elections of various popes due to the Catholic Church's influence and the papacy's role in Christian unity, which can have implications for common foreign and security policy issues.
