by Anura Guruge
The singular preferential role that cardinals now enjoy when it comes to electing a new pope, i.e., that of being the exclusive, absolute electors (albeit only those under the age of 80) as well as the only ones eligible to be elected popes, is a relatively new occurrence -- having only come to be as of 1378. Even then, the notion that the next pope will be selected from within the College of Cardinals is but a tradition -- fostered by the cardinals.
While Canon Law (1983) as well as the latest Apostolic Constitution on papal elections [viz., John Paul II's 1996 Universi Dominci Gregis] categorically state that a new pope may only be elected by the cardinals (subject to the 80 year limit) there have been no edicts since Nicholas II's 1059 In Nomine Domini (In the Name of the Lord) that have in anyway touched upon the eligibility criteria to be pope.
Per In Nomine Domini a new pope would normally be chosen from within the ranks of Roman clergy (which included the then cardinals) but if a suitable candidate could not be found from those ranks, the cardinal bishops could chose somebody from another church. That is basically the 'last words' on papal eligibility. The last time a non-cardinal was elected, i.e., Urban VI, matters got so bad that the highly disruptive Great Western Schism [1378 to 1409] came to be -- with three competing popes vying for legitimacy towards the end! Coincidently, since then, the cardinals have assidously stuck with their own when it come to new popes.
The roles that cardinals have played as electors have also undergone some significant changes since 769 -- the first instance that cardinal priests and cardinal deacons were mentioned, separately from the Roman clergy, as the only ones eligble to be selected as pope.
Over the last six weeks I have been documenting a detailed history of the role of cardinls in papal elections. As is invariably the case, I have found some interesting gaps in prior studies of this subject. For example, many overlook the John IX's 898 synod that for the first time gave Cardinal Bishops a role in papal elections -- Cardinal Bishops, by definition, being from outside of Rome; Rome only having but one bishop, the pope.
I put together this chart, initially just to help me keep my bearings and successfully navigate through the various synods and edits without losing track of who was allowed to do what to whom. But, I realized that some of you will also find it useful. So here is a chart of the roles played by cardinals in papal elections as of 769.
[PLEASE click on the image to get a full size version in a pop-up window.]
Well I hope you enjoy it. My latest book, 'The Next Pope' contains over 33,000 words (65 letter size pages) on the history and role of cardinals.
I also should mention that a couple of weeks ago we went past the 22,000 visitor mark for this BLOG. Since I only started it in July 2008 that was ~1,000 visitors a month. Though I have not been updating this BLOG as often as I had hoped the hit rate continues to grow. So thank you.
All the best.
Anura
Grace, and may peace be with you.
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