Political innovation birthplace: Historian Olivier Christin claims the conclave is where modernity took shape
The Epic Procedure to Elect the Next Pope in a Conclave
Dive into the intriguing process of electing a new Pope, a tradition steeped in history and religion. Professor Olivier Christin, an expert in modern Catholicism, provides a fascinating perspective on this unique election.
Who can participate and become electors?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to cast their votes[1][4]. The expected participants for the 2025 conclave are about 133 cardinals[1][4].
How does the voting take place?
Each cardinal receives a ballot with the phrase Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as supreme pontiff”)[1][4]. The blank bottom half is used to jot down the chosen candidate’s name. These ballots are designed for secrecy, allowing voters to fold them in half[1][4].
In a series of private ballots, the cardinals participate until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority[1][4]. Three scrutineers, randomly selected, are responsible for counting the votes, while infirmarii and revisers assist in collecting votes from ill cardinals and verifying the count, respectively[4].
What happens after the votes are counted?
Following each round of voting, the burned ballots signal whether a candidate was elected or not[1]. If a candidate achieves the required majority, they are asked to accept the papacy and choose a name[1]. The new Pope is then presented to the public from St. Peter’s Basilica[1].
Why is the conclave unique?
A significant part of the conclave’s allure is the tradition of choosing a new name[1]. stark confidentiality surrounds the entire process, ensuring that all participants remain bound by secrecy[1][4].
Here is a quick summary for your convenience:
| Step | Description ||------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Electors | Cardinals under 80 years old || Ballot | "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" with space for candidate's name || Voting | Secret ballots, multiple rounds until two-thirds majority is reached || Scrutineers | Three cardinals chosen by lot to count and verify votes || Smoke Signal | Black smoke = no pope elected; white smoke = pope elected || Acceptance | Successful candidate is asked if he accepts, then chooses a papal name || Announcement | New pope is presented to the public from St. Peter’s Basilica |[1][4]
- Professor Olivier Christin, an expert in modern Catholicism, analyzes the unique political landscape of the papal election, drawing attention to the intricate process.
- The electors for the 2025 conclave are expected to be about 133 cardinals under the age of 80, eligible to cast their votes.
- Each cardinal uses a ballot with the phrase "Eligo in Summum Pontificem," marking their chosen candidate's name on the blank bottom half, ensuring secrecy in their choice.
- If a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority in multiple rounds of secret balloting, they are named pope, choosing a new name to symbolize the transition of power, while maintaining the tradition of strict confidentiality throughout the entire process.
