Choosing a new Pope

(Part Two)

Both in the first General Congregation and in the Conclave, the Cardinals are required to pledge, promise and swear to observe and maintain the rigorous secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff aside from exactly, faithfully and scrupulously observing the prescriptions contained in the Apostolic Constitution of February 22, 1996 Sections 12 and 53). Even the non-electors present in the areas where the election activities are held in order to meet the personal and official needs connected with the election process are also required to swear and pledge to observe absolute and perpetual secrecy concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Pope. They are likewise prohibited from using any audio or video equipment capable of recording anything which takes place during the election (Section 48).

The Sistine Chapel where the conclave is held remains an absolutely enclosed area until the conclusion of the election (Section 51). The Cardinal electors are required to refrain from written correspondence and from all conversations including those by telephone calls or radio, with persons who have not been duly admitted to the buildings set aside for their use, and from receiving or sending messages of any kind outside the Vatican City. The introduction and use of technical instruments of any kind for the recording, reproducing or transmitting of sound, visual images or writing are likewise forbidden (Sections 57 and 61).

At 10 a.m. of April 18, 2005, they will meet at the Basilica of St. Peter for the celebration of the Votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa. Then at 4 p.m. they will assemble at the Pauline Chapel in choir dress chanting Veni Creator to invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit as they proceed to the Sistine Chapel. Once inside, they take the oath of secrecy individually, then go into meditation presented by ecclesiastics known for their sound doctrine, wisdom and moral authority on the problems facing the Church at this time and on the need for careful discernment in choosing the new Pope (Sections 12 [d] and 54). Even if the conclave has started, late comers among Cardinal electors can still be admitted and allowed to take part in the election at the stage which it has reached but before the new Pastor of the Church has been elected (Section 39). So Cardinal Sin can still be part of the Conclave should he arrive after April 18, 2005.

Voting is only by secret ballot (per scrutinium). For the valid election of the new Pontiff two/thirds of the votes are required. So if there are 117 or 116 electors 78 votes are required (Section 62).

There are three phases in the voting: the pre-scrutiny, the scrutiny proper and the post scrutiny. The pre-scrutiny consists in: (1) preparation and distribution of at least two or three ballot papers to each Cardinal elector by the Masters of Ceremonies; and (2) drawing by lot from all the Cardinal electors of nine names, the first three to act as Scrutineers or the counters of the ballots, the second three as Infirmarii or collectors of votes from the sick electors confined to their rooms and the last three as Revisers or the checkers of both the ballots and notes made by the Scrutineers in order to make sure that the latter have performed their task exactly and faithfully. The scrutiny proper comprises: (1) the placing of the ballots in the appropriate receptacle; (2) the mixing and counting of the ballots to ascertain that it corresponds to the number of electors; and (3) the opening of the votes (Section 66). The Post Scrutiny consists in (1) the counting of the votes (2) the checking of the votes by the Revisers; and (3) the burning of the ballots (Section 70).

After the distribution of the ballots, the secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations and the Masters of Ceremonies must leave the Chapel. Then the electors will fill up the ballot in secret, writing down legibly the name of the person he chooses in a handwriting that cannot be identified as his, taking care not to write other names as it will invalidate the ballot (Sections 64 and 65). Under pain of excommunication, the Cardinal electors are prohibited from entering into any pact, agreement, promise or other commitment of any kind which could oblige them to give or deny their vote to a person or persons (Section 81).

In the opening and counting of votes, the three Scrutineers are seated at a table in front of the altar. The first Scrutineer unfolds the ballot, notes the name chosen and passes it on to the next Scrutineer who does the same then pass it on to the third who reads it aloud so that all the electors present can record the vote on a sheet of paper prepared for the purpose. If two ballots are folded in such a way that they appear to have been completed by the same elector and they bear the same name, they are counted as one; but if they bear different names, neither of them will be counted (Section 69).

If the electors find it difficult to agree on the person to be elected after three days, voting is suspended for a maximum of one day to allow a pause for prayers, informal discussion and brief spiritual exhortation by the Senior Cardinal in the Order of Deacons. The process is repeated and continued   after a series of seven ballots. If on the third series of seven ballots, no Pope has been elected, the election will proceed in accordance with what the absolute majority of the electors decide. Whatever proceeding is adopted, the minimum requirement for a valid election is still absolute majority, or else by voting only on the two names which in the ballot immediately preceding have received the greatest number of votes. Whoever gets the absolute majority shall become the new Pope (Sections 74-75).

A lot of Catholics may have their own favorites as the next Pope. Media may spot frontrunners. But this rigorous process done in utmost secrecy, coupled with the spiritual exercises undertaken by the electors during the balloting as well as the prayerful support of the People of God adequately ensure that  God’s will alone shall prevail in the choice of St. Peter’s successor, of His next representative on earth.

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