Description

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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

Factors influencing the selection of a new pope in the upcoming 2025 papal conclave.

What is the Papal Conclave?

The Papal Conclave is a special meeting where cardinals of the Catholic Church gather to elect the next Pope. It happens after a Pope dies or resigns, leaving the papal seat empty (a period called sede vacante).

The Conclave is both a spiritual and political process. Cardinals pray for guidance but also negotiate and build alliances to choose a leader who can guide the global Church.

The process follows strict rules laid out in a document called Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG). Cardinals meet in complete secrecy inside Vatican City, cut off from the outside world to avoid external influence.

They vote multiple times daily until one candidate gets a two-thirds majority. This high threshold forces cardinals to compromise and choose someone acceptable to most.

Only cardinals under 80 years old can vote, but older cardinals can join pre-Conclave meetings to share their views and influence younger voters. The Conclave happens in the Sistine Chapel, and once a Pope is chosen, white smoke signals the decision to the world.

What Determines the Papal Conclave?

Several factors shape the Conclave’s outcome:

Rules of the Conclave: The Universi Dominici Gregis sets strict guidelines. Cardinals must remain isolated, and voting requires a two-thirds majority. This encourages consensus and prevents any single group from dominating.
Cardinals’ Ideologies: Cardinals split into two main groups:

Reformists support ideas, like focusing on social justice, climate change, and inclusivity (e.g., for LGBTQ+ Catholics). They want a more open, consultative Church.
Conservatives prefer tradition, clear moral teachings, and strict doctrine. They worry that Francis’s changes diluted Church teachings.

Influential cardinals, called “great electors,” persuade others to support certain candidates. Personal relationships and debates during the Conclave shape votes.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Papal Conclave is frequently seen in the news. What is the primary purpose of the Papal Conclave?

A) To elect a new Pope

B) To revise Catholic doctrine

C) To manage Vatican finances

D) To appoint cardinals

Answer: A

Explanation:

The primary purpose of a Papal Conclave is to choose a successor to the Bishop of Rome, who is also known as the Pope and the leader of the Catholic Church. This process becomes necessary upon the death or resignation of the reigning Pope.