Cross-examining the vector of populist voting and an unprecedented selection: Quirks surrounding the conclave, featuring a young pontiff. - Unusual Cases in Power Transition: Range from Prolonged Elections to Adolescent Papal Elections
Papal Elections: A Fascinating Journey from Viterbo to Konstanz – Dive into the Curious History of the Conclave
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The upcoming papal elections have everyone spellbound, thanks to the mystique and age-old rules surrounding the conclave. As the world prepares to watch the Vatican once more, let's explore some intriguing facts about these historical gatherings.
From Wednesday, the world awaits the decision of the cardinals eligible to cast their votes. These ecclesiastical figures seclude themselves in the Sistine Chapel until they reach a two-thirds majority in favor of a new pope. But did you know that this procedure has undergone many changes over the centuries, and the process wasn't always as straightforward as it is today?
Here are some captivating facts about papal elections:
- The Marathon Election
The longest papal election in history lasted an astounding 33 months, almost three years. The cardinals who gathered at Viterbo, Italy in 1268, were divided between those seeking an Italian candidate and those supporting a French contender. The deadlock could have lasted longer if the city's residents hadn't intervened, ultimately pressuring the cardinals and even stripping the roof from the palace to push for a decision. On September 1, 1271, a compromise led to the election of Gregory X.
- The Shortest Conclave
Following the lengthy marathon election, the fastest papal election occurred on October 31, 1503. The election of Julius II took merely a few hours. Interestingly, both the marathon election and Julius' swift election took place under different popes – Gregory X (1271-1276) and Gregory XII (1406-1415) respectively.
- Conclave – Not Always in Rome
Today, it's common knowledge that conclaves take place within the Vatican walls, with the new pope being announced when white smoke rises from the chimney. The first papal election under the famous Sistine ceiling happened in 1492. Since 1878, all conclaves have been held in the Sistine Chapel. However, in the past, the locations varied, with six popes being elected in France, and even one in Germany during the Council of Constance in 1417, where Martin V was elected.
- Youngest and Oldest Papal Candidates
When the term "Young Pope" is mentioned, most people think of candidates in their mid-60s. However, Pope John XII, who was elected at the age of 18 in 955, would be considered a teenager by today's standards. At the other end of the spectrum, the oldest popes to be first elected were Coelestin III and Coelestin V, who were both nearly 85 years old when they assumed office in 1191 and 1294, respectively.
- Papal Elections Beyond Rome
- Locations Outside Rome: Papal elections have occasionally been held outside Rome, due to safety concerns or political pressures. Notable locations include Viterbo, Perugia, Arezzo, and Venice in Italy, as well as Konstanz, Germany. These locations were chosen due to conflicts or instability within Rome that could impact the election process.
- Conclave in Viterbo: One of the most significant conclaves outside Rome was held in Viterbo between 1268 and 1271. Divisions among the cardinals, particularly over the influence of France in Italy, led to the prolonged election. Local intervention, including removing the roof and imposing food rations, finally encouraged the cardinals to make a decision and elect Gregory X.
- Conclave in Konstanz, Germany: The Council of Konstanz, held between 1414 and 1418, included a papal election to address the Western Schism, where three popes claimed legitimacy simultaneously. The conclave in Konstanz led to the election of Pope Martin V, marking the end of the Western Schism and the establishment of a single papacy.
- The Flexibility of the Catholic Church
- Conclaves were often moved outside Rome due to local conflicts or political instability that threatened the election process. These decisions demonstrate the adaptability of the Catholic Church in ensuring papal succession amid external challenges.
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Remember, while conclaves are secretive, messages were sometimes concealed within food items brought into the voting area to sway cardinals or maintain contact with the outside world. The term "conclave" comes from the Latin "conclavis," meaning "locked with a key," symbolizing the confinement of cardinals until a decision is reached.
- During the lengthy election in Viterbo, Italy in 1268, locals intervened by stripping the roof from the palace to pressure the cardinals and end the 33-month long deadlock, eventually leading to the election of Gregory X.
- The Council of Konstanz, held in Germany from 1414 to 1418, not only addressed the Western Schism but also included a papal election that resulted in the end of the Schism and the election of Pope Martin V.
- Reminiscent of the mystery surrounding the conclave, messages were sometimes concealed within food items brought into the voting area, serving as covert means of influence or maintaining contact with the outside world.
- Interestingly, the first papal election under the famous Sistine ceiling occurred in 1492, although in the past, conclaves have taken place in France and Germany, such as the one held in Viterbo, Italy and the one in Konstanz, Germany.
