Papal Conclave: No Room for Leaks or Whistleblowers

The Cardinals gather for the final Mass leading to the Conclave (File Photo –
Jeffrey Bruno)

The Vatican has announced that the Papal Conclave would begin on Wednesday, May 7.

By Margaret Prietto

The College of Cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel and remain until a new Pope is selected, except for eating and sleeping in the Domus Sanctae Marthae.  “Conclave” from Latin means “with key.” The cardinals will be secluded without any electronic communication devices and dedicated to a single task. The faithful believe that only the Holy Spirit of God inspires the cardinals to select one of them to become the next Vicar of Christ.

Pontifex derives from “pontus” for bridge. This title means that the Pope’s role is to be a bridge between humanity and the divine.  It is the cardinals’ role to set aside their own personal desires or ambitions to select a Pontifex best equipped to assume the role of successor to St. Peter. The Scriptures recorded that Jesus referred to Simon Peter as “the rock on whom I will build my church.” Today it is a leadership role of global significance.

The rituals for election of a new Pope have been revised over centuries. Changes made by successive popes to assure the integrity of the process reflect lessons learned from the history of the Roman papacy. Popes, anti-popes, warring monarchs, rising and falling empires describe power struggles between church and empire. The modern papacy is called to employ diplomacy. Only the Swiss Guards, in ancient battle attire, provide security in the Vatican.

Votes will be taken daily, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Prayer and reflection are scheduled if no progress appears likely. The recent film, “Conclave,” offers a reliable example of the process used to record and tally each vote. A majority of two/thirds plus one is needed.

After each morning and afternoon voting session, the votes are burned. Black smoke tells the faithful that no selection made.  White smoke tells the world that a candidate is chosen. The candidate will be asked by the dean of the College of Cardinals whether he accepts election as Supreme Pontiff, and he must respond “Accepto.” The candidate moves to a room with papal clothing in three different sizes. It is often a tearful moment.  The successor to St. Peter must select a name by which he will be known; this is another tearful moment in which one person becomes Pontifex “to carry the Cross of his Lord and master.”  The new pope is escorted to the balcony in St. Peter’s Square to be introduced to and to address the faithful as the 267^th successor to St. Peter.