Unexpected Vistas of the Papal Election: From Wahlmarathon to Adolescent Pope - Strange Tales Surrounding the Conclave
Strange Tidbits Surrounding the Conclave: Ranging from Prolonged Voting Periods to a Young Pontiff - Unusual Eventualities at the Vatican: Election Extravaganza and the Teenager Selected as Pope
Ready for a twist on the intriguing and archaic rules of the conclave for a new pope? From October, the world sets its gaze upon the Vatican. The proceedings, though clear in principle, have been far from consistent in the past - sometimes moving at breakneck speed, other times slowing to a crawl. In extremis, it was even held in Germany. Here are some fascinating tidbits about conclaves:
The most grueling election spanned almost three years
The longest papal election in history lasted an astounding 33 months, close to three years. The cardinals convened in November 1268 were deadlocked between Italian and French candidates. Protracted discussions might have prolonged the election further if not for citizens of Viterbo north of Rome who exerted pressure on the cardinals. To hasten proceedings, they stripped the chapel of its roof and doled out rations. On September 1, 1271, a compromise was reached, and Gregory X was chosen as pope.
The briefest electoral event transpired in a matter of hours
After the marathon election, the Catholic Church, under Pope Gregory X (1271-1276), devised the conclave as we know it today. Prior to that, a pope could be chosen on the day of his predecessor's demise. From 1274, a wait period of at least ten days before the first ballot was mandatory. Later, this was expanded to fifteen days. The shortest conclave thus far, which elected Julius II (1503-1513) on October 31, 1503, extended only for a few short hours.
The conclave - not always confined to Rome and once in Germany
Modern times bring certainty: the conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, and a new pope rises when white smoke billows from the chimney. The papal election was first orchestrated under Michelangelo's famous fresco in 1492 and has continued there since 1878. Before the Sistine Chapel, the venues varied: six popes were chosen in conclaves in France. The last conclave not held in Rome occurred in 1800 in Venice. The cardinals selected a locale near Austria due to fear of Napoleon. The conclave was even conducted once in Germany: Martin V was elected at the Council of Constance in November 1417.
The youngest and oldest elected pontiffs
While discussing a young pope in the ongoing conclave usually implies a candidate around 60 years old, Pope John XII, elected at the age of 18 in 955, was, by today's standards, considered an adolescent. The eldest popes elected were Coelestin III (elected 1191) and Coelestin V (elected 1294), both almost 85 years old. Pope Francis was 76 when elected in 2013.
- Conclave
- Pope
- Marathon election
- Vatican
- Germany
- Food
- Italy, Viterbo
- Italy, Perugia
- Italy, Arezzo
- Italy, Venice
- Germany, Konstanz
- France, Lyon
The Church's adaptability in choosing election locations based on political and social conditions is evident in these diverse locations, which span across various countries. These historical conclaves underscore the Church's ability to maintain continuity amidst turbulent times while accommodating to new realities.
- Given the Church's past willingness to adapt to various political and social conditions when selecting election locations, it's intriguing to speculate about future changes in community policy regarding the venue of the conclave, perhaps considering hosting it in areas that promote lifestyles focused on sustainable living, such as home-and-garden communities, to set a good example for the global population in practicing eco-friendly habits.
- Following the examples set by the youngest and oldest elected popes, the community policy could also consider extending the age range for potential candidates, encouraging a diverse representation that includes individuals at various stages of life, thereby inspiring a new generation of young people to embrace the values and responsibilities of leadership in the home-and-garden of the Church.
