It’s election year in America. Time to endure that painful process where politicians, pollsters and pundits all vie for
national spotlight. Truth is stretched beyond recognition. Promises made tend to vaporize. We are reminded daily that chaos will prevail if we do not elect this or that enlightened candidate to save nation. Given our relative success with this “experiment in liberty,” we Americans may think that elected office is our own invention. Fact is, this young republic is still on training wheels. The Catholic Church has trod this path for better part of two millennia. Perhaps it is worth revisiting oldest electoral process in world, which gives one billion Catholics their Supreme Pontiff. The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II on February 22, 1996, provides clear guidance on how Church is to go about selecting next Vicar of Christ.
The passing of a pope is one of those moments that can virtually define an era. It is among pivotal events that serve as milestones in a life span, such as JFK’s fateful visit to Dallas, Neil Armstrong’s first steps on moon, or Dow passing 10,000 mark. A vacancy in See of Peter prompts an outpouring of love coupled with a whirlwind of speculation. It closes door of history and opens window of opportunity. First, however, we grieve.
The Apostolic Constitution prescribes a nine day mourning period in honor of deceased pope, with burial to occur between fourth and sixth days. This duration has both a devotional aspect and a practical one. Proper mourning protocols must be observed for this citizen of world. As pope is a Head of State, Vatican will serve as host to both secular and religious leaders who attend funeral rites and pay respects of their particular society. With few exceptions, business of Church is essentially stopped during this time of reflection and prayer. Even any Councils or Synods in progress are immediately suspended until approved to continue by new pope.
This period of time is largely overseen by an individual known as Cardinal “Camerlengo” or Chamberlain. His job, as described in Apostolic Constitution, is “...safeguarding and administering goods and temporal rights of Holy See.” He meets with College of Cardinals to decide issues that include funeral and internment details, approval of expenditures, destruction of Fisherman’s Ring, lodging assignments for arriving electors and selection of theologians who will prepare two key meditations. These meditations are mandated by Constitution and will ultimately be delivered to gathered College of Cardinals. The meditations focus on problems facing Church and need for discernment in coming election. Given that Cardinal electors hail from every corner of globe, these meditations will help them to understand “State of Church.”
The College of Cardinals is restricted by Constitution to a total of 120 eligible voters. As long as a Cardinal has not yet reached his 80th birthday on day of pope’s death, he may cast a vote in election. Thanks to vision of Pope John Paul II, College enjoys a multi-national composition, which is sure to translate into a rich harvest of qualified papabile, or papal candidates. Not all Cardinals are bishops, so it is possible that electors could choose a man for papacy who does not possess highest degree of Holy Orders. As pope is first and foremost Bishop of Rome, Apostolic Constitution calls for immediate episcopal consecration of new Pontiff, if necessary.
The electoral process must begin no sooner than 15 and no later than 20 days after death of pope. The election takes place in Sistine Chapel. During proceedings Cardinals will be required to lodge in Vatican City State, primarily in newly-constructed Domus Sanctae Marthae residence. This is to ensure a degree of isolation from outside influences as they undertake their sacred duty. The electors are restricted from using any method of personal communication or being exposed to newspaper, radio, television or Internet. They may not even be approached for conversation as they proceed each day from their lodging to Sistine Chapel.
