VATICAN CITY — The film “Conclave” may have recently captivated audiences with its depiction of the intricate rituals and dramatic processes involved in electing a pope, but these practices have been part of the Catholic tradition for many centuries. Over time, they have accumulated a rich tapestry of historical facts and trivia.
The longest conclave on record occurred in the 13th century and involved an arduous wait of 1,006 days to appoint Pope Clement IV’s successor. Taking place in Viterbo, this election not only marked the lengthiest conclave but also led to the coining of the term “conclave,” meaning “under lock and key.” The cardinals were effectively locked in until they reached a decision due to frustrations among local citizens. The conclave, which resulted in Pope Gregory X’s election, highlighted the conflicts between papal supporters and those aligned with the Holy Roman Empire.
To prevent such delays in the future, Viterbo residents imposed stringent conditions on the cardinals, including tearing off the building’s roof and restricting their food to create urgency. Gregory X responded by decreeing in 1274 that after three days, cardinals would receive only one meal per day, escalating to just bread, water, and wine if the conclave extended beyond eight days. However, this rule was later abandoned.
Before the regulations set in 1274, some popes were elected almost immediately following their predecessor’s death. To address this, a mandatory waiting period was instituted, first at ten days and later fifteen, to allow all cardinals to gather in Rome. The quickest conclave, complying with the 10-day rule, occurred in 1503 with Pope Julius II’s election within a few hours. In contrast, recent conclaves elected Pope Francis in 2013 on the fifth ballot, Benedict XVI in 2005 on the fourth, and Pope Pius XII in 1939 on the third.
The Sistine Chapel, known for Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling, hosted its first conclave in 1492. Since 1878, it has been the traditional setting for all conclaves, with cardinals housed nearby in Domus Santa Marta or another residence, reflecting its spiritual significance as articulated by St. John Paul II.
Occasionally, conclaves were held beyond the Vatican, including at the Quirinale Palace, St. John Lateran Basilica, and even in cities like Viterbo and Venice. A notable period in papal history was the Western Schism (1378-1417), which saw multiple claimants to the papacy, known as antipopes, creating more than four decades of division until the Council of Constance resolved it with the election of Martin V.
Living conditions within conclaves posed health challenges in earlier times. Before modern accommodations like the Domus Santa Marta were available, cardinals slept in crowded, uncomfortable quarters, often exacerbating health concerns due to inadequate hygiene and ventilation. Historical reports describe some conclaves as malodorous and unhealthy, posing significant risks to the participating cardinals.
Secrecy became a paramount concern over time, particularly after the lengthy conclave in Viterbo, when Gregory X mandated that electing cardinals be isolated “cum clave” to protect them from external pressures. This tradition of confidentiality ensures that the selection process remains a spiritual rather than political affair.
Age has varied considerably among popes; John XII was the youngest at 18, while those like Celestine III and V reached the papacy nearing 85. Historically, not all popes have been cardinals, a notable deviation being Urban VI in 1378. Though traditionally Italian, many popes have hailed from outside Italy, such as the Polish John Paul II, German Benedict XVI, and Argentine Francis, illustrating the papacy’s global nature.