Canon in D (english): Conclave

The conclave ?

Well, it is an election (obviously). But it is an election that involves human persons and God. So let’s say, it is a process that has the two dimensions of faith and spirituality, human and divine.

I think this has been a problem for all Christians up and down the centuries since the first time we needed to have a new pope. I am wondering how did it go with the election of St Linus, the first successor of St Peter. Jesus didn’t give us indications about how to proceed there. The only thing we know is that Jesus established the Church to last until the end of times and that Jesus gave to Peter the primacy among the other apostles. But the first time the Christian community was faced with the challenge of replacing an apostle, it was not to replace Peter, but Judas. (Acts 1:15-26). They gave lots to the candidates and the elected was Matthias. Maybe Linus was chosen the same way, who knows? The rules of election have varied a lot throughout the centuries and they may change again at some point. All because the electors need to ensure a “neutral” process where divine and human intervention meet.

Even though the election is a human process, it is important to notice that God’s action is there from the very beginning of the initiation of the candidates into Christianity. Those who are faithful, who are prayerful, who seek always to accept and do God’s will, who are willing to die for the faith. The cardinals wear red signifying they are willing to pour out their blood for the Lord. Jesus chose his twelve apostles because of the ‘potential’ he saw in those men to become more like him. Today bishops and cardinals are chosen because they are judged as virtuous men, outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence in action. The pope is above all a spiritual leader, and the cardinals look up for a candidate like that. We Christians look up for that. No matter how many skills are needed for the job, above all we ask that he may be a saint.