[REFLECTION] Appreciating the rites of the conclave

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

As the papal conclave approaches, questions arise about the relevance of its archaic rituals and the need for modernization in the election of the next pope

Used to long lines at polling stations, ballots being fed into machines, and fingers dipped in indelible ink, many will think the conclave—the ritual-heavy process of electing the pope—is archaic and bizarre.

Cardinals processing beneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment and media being thrown out of the Sistine Chapel mean that the Papal Election is less a democratic exercise and more of a religious process. The exclusion of women and laypeople, the dominance of Anglo-European clerics, and the utter absence of digital voting raise uncomfortable but necessary questions: What exactly is being symbolized here? Can there be a more enlightened way to appreciate the conclave?

(Conclave at the Vatican: The election of the next pope)

Those involved in the social apostolate may ask: “Couldn’t we dispense of the theater in order to save costs? Wouldn’t a Google form enable a registered Catholic to cast their vote for bishops, cardinals, and the pope?”

Anticipating the temptation to subvert the tradition of electing the Bishop of Rome, St. John Paul II promulgated in 1996 the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which Benedcit XVI amended in 2007. This text governs what happens during the sede vacante, or when the papal seat is vacant. At this time, the Church is ruled by the College of Cardinals. 

Here is useful guide to the rites of the conclave.

The stringent rules and regimented rituals might discombobulate when the conclave starts on May 7. Some will even feel for the cardinals who have to surrender their cellphones, ipads, and other telecommunication devices before being sequestered with in the Sistine Chapel. 

John Paul II clearly stipulated that “relying upon the expertise of two trustworthy technicians, they shall make every effort to preserve that secrecy by ensuring that no audiovisual equipment for recording or transmitting has been installed….” 

This papal election will test whether consulting two technical experts is enough as the Vatican City’s police demonstrate their competence in cybersecurity. Satellites can take pictures of people’s faces and AI can read lips. The Swiss Guards will definitely ensure that windows and doors remain shut.

Why the secrecy? This is because the election must be preserved from any external interference; for example, ‘fear and pursuit of popularity, and intervention of secular powers and pressure groups.’ The cardinal elector must choose based solely on the supreme law of the Church — “the salvation of souls.” Vatican observers might redefine the office of the papacy and its relevance in geopolitics and culture; but the supreme law of the Church to bring the Good News and to help people, especially the youth, find meaning and companionship with Christ decides the choice of pope.   

Furthermore, the Apostolic Constitution was promulgated to keep order during times of tensions and upheaval. The disintegration of world systems and continued devastation brought about by climate change and wars, not to mention the declining number of clerics and the clamor for greater participation of women in the governance of the church, are some of the causes of conflicts within and outside the Church. How a cardinal analyses the situation of the Church and her flock in the General Congregations become crucial in the choice for Vicar of Christ.

To avoid further mayhem, the College only has to implement the rules stipulated in the Constitution. Fidelity to the script ensures that everyone comprehends the serious duty that has been placed on this “body.” 

Even so, the election of the new Supreme Pontiff is an act of the whole church. “The election of the new Pope will not be something unconnected with the People of God and concerning the College of electors alone, but will be in a certain sense an act of the whole Church.” 

The Apostolic Constitution presents not only the image of the cardinals secluded in the Sistine Chapel (con clave, with the key) but of the whole Church praying with One heart. The ceremonies of the conclave will make us understand that “Church” is less an institution but more of a way of being. The next pope is less a father and more of a pastor that gathers the flock, especially the lost, least, and the last. 

As an academic in a Catholic institution, I find that the symbols and rituals surrounding a papal election expose something human. Aside from reminding me of our kinship to creatures like flamingoes performing mating dances or chimpanzees with greeting rituals, they communicate the need to exercise our freedom with creativity, excellence, and a sense of connection to the world around us. – Rappler.com

Jovino G. Miroy teaches medieval philosophy and philosophy of religion at the Ateneo de Manila University. He holds a PhD from Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven in Belgium, with a specialization in medieval philosophy, and is a member of the American Cusanus Society. He is the producer of the podcast titled “Thomas Unveiled,” commemorating the Double Jubilee of Thomas Aquinas.