How Accurate Is Conclave’s Depiction of the Papal Election Process?

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As a seasoned journalist who has covered numerous historical events, I must say that the process of electing a new Pope is unlike any other. The solemnity and secrecy that surround the papal conclave are palpable, and it’s a unique experience to witness such an ancient tradition unfold.

In Robert Harris’s namesake book, the movie “Conclave” features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini. This film provides a peek into the enigmatic and cloistered procedure for selecting a new pope. Following the enigmatic demise of the current pontiff in “Conclave”, the papal conclave is compelled to assemble to elect his successor. The character of Cardinal Lawrence, portrayed by Fiennes, is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the election, all while grappling with the revelation of a startling secret that could potentially dismantle the Church.

In the story of Conclave, the thrill and tension are as intense as in a genuine papal conclave. Hidden from public view, the College of Cardinals follows procedures to select the next head of the Roman Catholic Church, while millions around the globe hold their breath in suspense.

The College of Cardinals Meets for the Conclave Within Days of a Pope’s Death

In the role as the spiritual guide for millions across the globe, the Pope, who heads the Roman Catholic Church, is succeeded by another member of the faith. This process occurs when a Pope passes away or steps down, and it is the College of Cardinals who elect his replacement. Established in the 11th century, the College of Cardinals consists of cardinals scattered around the world. Initially a relatively small and centralized group, the cardinals’ locations have expanded over time, moving them farther away from Rome. Consequently, there must be enough time for cardinals to make their way to Rome following a Pope’s demise, typically taking two to three weeks before they assemble for the conclave.

As a fervent admirer, I find it fascinating that over 100 cardinal electors are qualified to assume the role of the occupying Holy See. During a papal conclave, these electors gather at the same location, the Domus Sanctae Marthae or Santa Martha House in Vatican City, where they live temporarily amidst the political and religious complexities that surround the election process. Alongside the cardinals, there are individuals assigned to cater to the personal and official needs related to the election proceedings who also reside at this facility.

Members of the Conclave Are Eligible to Become Pope

When cardinals visit Rome for a papal conclave, they are assigned a “titular” church in the city. At these churches, they lead services, thereby presenting themselves to the Christian community and increasing their personal recognition.

Typically, it’s not through their activities within their local dioceses, which holds the greatest importance for their community, that candidates gain prominence. Instead, it is their actions in the central church on a global scale that makes an impact.

In simple terms, Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo emphasized that the crucial aspect in this conclave will be the individual and their character. Is this person someone who can genuinely connect with people living in a secular, non-religious society? A society where, let’s admit it, many are drifting away from the church and could potentially be re-engaged by the faith’s message.

During their gathering at the College of Cardinals, once they move within the secluded boundaries of the Sistine Chapel to elect the new head of the Catholic Church, the members of this conclave are prohibited from communicating with both the general public and the press throughout the entire procedure.

A White Smoke Plume Signals the Conclave Has Chosen a New Pope

In a papal conclave, the voting process is formal and strictly organized. Often referred to as the “supreme election” by Robert Harris, author of the novel on which the film Conclave is based, a papal conclave occurs within the walls of the Sistine Chapel. Jesuit Reverend Thomas J. Reese awarded Conclave a B+ for its accuracy regarding the procedures of a conclave, but did comment that some specific details about the layout of the Sistine Chapel were inaccurate. Interestingly, in the movie version, a beige floor was used instead of the real red one; director Davies explained this change was made to enhance that particular sequence and to further emphasize the bright red costumes worn by the characters.

It’s crucial that confidentiality is maintained because the group will cast their single vote on the first day using paper ballots. On subsequent days, additional votes may occur, with up to four on the second, third, and fourth days. If necessary, the gathering takes a break on the fifth day. Voting resumes on the sixth day, followed by seven rounds. If a two-thirds majority is not achieved, the group has another day for contemplation and prayer before the process restarts.

When someone votes, they write the name of their chosen candidate (excluding themselves) beneath the line: “Eligo in Summun Pontificem” which means “I elect as supreme pontiff.” Afterward, they take the ballot to the altar and put it into a chalice.

Each time a vote doesn’t succeed, the unused ballots are incinerated in a designated stove. The fumes generated from a combination of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur transform into black smoke, signaling to the world the outcome of the event. However, when a successful vote finally occurs, the ballots are burned once more, but this time with a distinct set of chemicals. The mixture of potassium chlorate, milk sugar, and pine rosin produces white smoke, letting the world know that the conclave has selected the new pope.

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2024-10-29 00:01