Expert discusses pope selection process, what it means for the Catholic Church's future
The passing of Pope Francis sets in a place a line of ancient Catholic traditions.
Though the selection of a new pope is a historical process, today it also brings questions about how a new Catholic leader will approach decisions in light of world views and events. Virginia Tech expert Matthew Gabriele said there is much to consider.
The papal conclave, the group responsible for choosing each new pope, dates back to the 13th century. The 135 cardinals meet immediately following the pope’s funeral to begin the careful process of selecting the new head of the worldwide Catholic Church.
“They’re totally cut off from the outside world, no communication allowed and taking a vow of silence,” Gabriele said.
The cardinals vote by secret ballot for candidates and stay sequestered until one emerges with two thirds of the vote. After each round of voting, the slips of paper are burned to produce black smoke, which means there is no winner, or white smoke, symbolizing that a new pope has been selected.
Ultimately, the cardinals’ choice for the new pope will reveal the Catholic Church’s desire for a specific kind of leader. Previous popes, including John Paul II and Benedict XVI, were conservative leaning. Pope Francis was viewed as liberal, said Gabriele, “focusing on compassion towards all, stepping into the politics of Israel’s war against the Palestinians most recently, and generally preaching a new openness towards traditionally marginalized groups.”
“Will that move continue or will the cardinals reject that going forward?” Gabriele said, adding that the debate has been going on for generations.
“The question the cardinals selecting the new pope must face is open up the doors to the church or reinforce the walls,” he said.
About Gabriele
Matthew Gabriele is a professor of medieval studies in the Department of Religion and Culture at Virginia Tech. His research and teaching explore religion, violence, nostalgia, and apocalypse, whether manifested in the Middle Ages or the modern world. This includes events and ideas such as the Crusades, the so-called Terrors of the Year 1000, and medieval religious and political life.
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