Conclave - this is what? The definition, history, reforms and interesting facts

In the history of mankind there is a lot of interesting, fascinating, amazing. There are facts and events, to prove the truth of which is almost impossible because of the absence of written sources. Others are well documented and studied. Let us take an event such as a conclave. It only seems that the Pope's election in different periods of history has been fully investigated, all the secrets are revealed. In fact, this process is quite interesting for the general public. And some even believe that the conclave is the first known case of elaborating bureaucratic rules and procedures. Quite possibly. Let's briefly describe this event, and how to evaluate it, decide for yourself.

What is a conclave

To begin with, those who have not previously encountered this concept will give a definition. "Conclave" is a term that refers to a special meeting of cardinals after the death of another pontiff. The purpose of the event: the election of the next head of the Catholic world. The conclave rules evolved over time, many times changed them. However, the essence remained unchanged. The meaning of the word "conclave" probably best conveys what is happening. It is translated from Latin as a "locked room". The election process is rigorous. Cardinals are isolated from society. They are not allowed to use any means of communication during the conclave, to talk with outside personalities. It is believed that the election of the pontiff is a religious act. Cardinals should be consulted only with the Lord, determining the most worthy. And that there were no temptations and intrigues, of which history knew a lot, the process is closely watched by specially appointed church officials.

Event Scheme

Let's describe how the pontiff is currently being selected. It is important to understand that the procedure has undergone changes over the centuries. And they were connected with various circumstances. When the Pope dies , the throne is vacant. Not earlier than fifteen days from the date of his release, but not later than twenty, the conclave is about to meet. History does not know of cases when this rule was violated. Only the cardinals now take part in the elections, which have not yet reached the age of eighty. Their total number should not exceed one hundred and twenty people. Electors and accompanying persons are lodged in the Vatican, in the house of Saint Marta. And the voting procedure always takes place in one place: in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals are locked in this room. First they all pray together, and then they try to make a choice. The pope is appointed by the one who scored a third and one vote of all the participants. Everyone gets a newsletter. Cardinals write on it the name of the chosen one and throw them in a special urn, adhering to the principle of seniority. That is, the first to vote is the one who is more than all the years old. Going to the urn, everyone utters an oath: "Witness Christ the Lord, Who will judge me, that I choose the one who, I think before God, should be chosen."

Counting of votes

Many heard a parable about the smoke, which is signaled to the world about the election of a new pope. This is not fiction. Indeed, bulletins are burned after the procedure is completed. But not always smoke announces a new pontiff. There is a strict rule: the number of ballots must coincide with the number of those present. That is, they are taken out and counted. If it does not, then everyone burns. In this case, smoke is made specifically black (using straw or chemicals). This is a sign of an unsuccessful attempt. Upon its completion, the following is carried out. And everything is counted again with calculations. Voting may last for three days. In the first one only one round is conducted, in the following it is allowed to conduct four rounds. If it is impossible to choose a pontiff, after the two days of work the two most popular candidates are determined. The winner is determined by a simple majority.

The final stage

The chosen pontiff must publicly, among the cardinals, accept the credentials. This person is approached with the question: "Do you accept the canonical choice as the High Priest?". Having received an affirmative answer, they suggest the new Pope to define his name. Only after this procedure is complete. The bulletins are burned, signaling believers of the success of the election with white smoke. Now the procedure is accompanied by a ringing of bells. The Pope is removed to a special room, where he must choose a white cassock from three pre-cooked, different sizes. The electors are waiting for him to return to the Sistine Chapel in order to pay homage and obedience.

Conclave: reforms

The process of electing the pontiff often came to a standstill. This happened even when strict rules did not exist. Believers had repeatedly locked up the cardinals, denied food, to stimulate their activities. Pope Blessed Gregory X issued a special document, which introduced the isolation of electors from society. The ballots and the voting procedure were approved by Pius IV in 1562. Continued reform of the process of Pope Gregory XV. He issued bulls, which regulate the ceremonies and norms of elections. The place of the conclave was officially established in the fourteenth century. The most recent document, repealing all previous norms, was signed by Pope John Paul II. His constitution states that the conclave is the only way to elect the pontiff.

Exceptional cases

As a rule, the Pope has power until the last breath. History knows only two cases of voluntary refusal from this supreme office. The first to renounce was Gregory XII (1415). There was this event at the time of a deep schism in the church. In those days there were two pontiffs who tore up the flock. Gregory XII promised that he would leave the throne if his competitor did the same. The oath had to be performed for the sake of peace in the religious community. The next abdication occurred quite recently, in 2013. Benedict XVI reported that the state of health does not allow him to perform the service properly. In these two cases, the conclave was assembled with the living pontiff, who renounced the dignity.

Who can become Pope

You know, the pontiff has tremendous power. In past centuries, it was considered to be unlimited. It's just that they do not appoint such a position. Now candidates are selected from the cardinals. But it was not always so. In 1179, the Third Lateran Council established that any unmarried male Catholic could claim a position. Urban VI, later elected Pope, was not a cardinal. It is necessary to understand what the conclave means for believers. We mentioned that ordinary people influenced the course of the elections. The fact is that for Catholics it is very important to know that they have a head, that is, a representative of the Lord on earth. Without the Pope, believers feel themselves as children without a father, and they also abuse the slow-moving cardinals. Hence the tradition with smoke - a joyful signal for many people. This is a joyful event for Catholics, giving them hope that they are protected from diabolical intrigues and other lasciviousness.