Unveiling the Secrets of the Papal Conclave: A Historical Perspective
Experience within the enclosed Sistine Chapel, currently serving as the venue for the papal conclave:
In the heart of the Vatican City, Cardinals gathered for their final public mass, marking the start of their secretive journey to elect a new pope. As they head to the Sistine Chapel, they'll be secluded, voted, and likely kept awake by the echoing snore of their fellow cardinals. But this isn't just a modern tradition; it's steeped in history.
NPR's Ruth Sherlock reports from outside the Sistine Chapel, sharing the intriguing story of the papal conclave. This ancient practice, derived from the Latin cum clave ("with a key"), was established to put an end to protracted vacancies and political standoffs following a pope's demise. The most infamous instance of this was during the election after Pope Clement IV's death in 1268, which dragged on for close to three years in Viterbo, Italy. Exasperated locals eventually imprisoned the cardinal electors in the city's episcopal palace and even rationed their food, eventually leading to the election of Gregory X in 1271.
The Sistine Chapel, now the preferred site for the conclave, is a testament to historical beauty and intrigue. Its restricted access and symbolic significance make it an ideal location for the secretive and sacred papal election. Its compact size and controlled environment also help maintain the secrecy of the ballot and prevent external influence.
In the Vatican Museums, historian Luciano Gagliano shares insight into the early conclaves. Before the Sistine Chapel, these gatherings took place in various locations, often in the city where the previous pope had died or local churches and palaces. Over time, the Vatican became the permanent residence of the pope, and the Sistine Chapel—renowned for its stunning Renaissance frescoes—became the favored location for conclaves.
Now, as cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel, let's not forget that they'll be swearing to keep the election's secrets for the rest of their lives—all while jam-free, phone-free, and tucked away from the world. Their historical journey may have started in the dusty halls of Viterbo; but today, their pursuit of a new pope will take place beneath Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceilings, with millions watching for that iconic white smoke, signifying a new era for the Catholic Church.
Note: The accuracy of this information may vary, as NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor and may be updated or revised in the future.
The cardinals, as they prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel, will swear to keep the election's secrets for the rest of their lives, just like their counterparts did back in the historic Viterbo, centuries ago. Unlike the past, where papal conclaves took place in various locations, today's event will unfold in the restricted and symbolic Sistine Chapel, which is now the permanent venue for such sacred rituals. As the cardinals seclude themselves to vote and communicate, one can't help but marvel at the shift from echoing snoring in the Vatican's halls to the deafening silence of millions watching from around the world for the signal of a new pope - the iconic white smoke. Meanwhile, artifacts from past conclaves, such as the story of the prolonged election after Pope Clement IV's death, serve as reminders that politics and general news have long been part of this intriguing tradition.
