Posted on 04/03/2005 10:20:56 PM PDT by CitizenM
"The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici gregis, promulgated by John Paul II on February 22, 1996 have been activated." Read the entire directive...
Under the new rules introduced on 22 February 1996, a Pope may be elected after 13 days by a simple majority of half plus one, rather than a two-thirds majority as was required in previous conclaves, such as the one that elected Karol Wojtyla in 1978.
Information about the Conclave of Cardinals, changes in the election process, procedures, housing of the Cardinals, voting and controls, and handling unusual situations, etc. can be found at:
Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici gregis
Click the icon for "Vacancy of the Apostolic See," and then the link: "Universi Dominici gregis" - You will find the Apostolic Constitution as is now being followed in the absence of an existing Pontiff and for the election of same.
The official document is quite lengthy. Serious interest is best accompanied by a cup of coffee – and good eyesight! As one reads it, however, it is comforting to recognize John Paul the Great’s ability to address the most minute of details, and his ability to delineate how unforeseen issues that might arise, should be handled.
PELL for POPE!!!
Put an Aussie in the Vatican!
OK, Bruce.. U need to sit in the corner for an hour now.. ;-)
I wonder if Bob Jones III has said anything yet.
They should do like the disciples did when selecting a replacement for Judas -- draw straws.
I betcha they said the same thing to the Poles last time...
He thought of everything. Now he can join St. Pete and the rest of the guys, open up a brewsky and watch FOX like the rest of us.
I believe that was a ruling that was included in the original Constitution, however he did reference issues regarding it.
Yes, he was very thorough. Interesting that he brought the process into the world of technology, by decreeing no electronic communication of any sort. I heard that immediately upon his death they began "debugging" the rooms that were created for the Cardinals to occupy. They removed all electronic equipment, including wall jacks that would have allowed internet access. (I suspect they allow just the basic electricity, however. I would hate to think the Cardinals had to sit by candlelight! LOL)
Yes, it was very interesting to read...even the part about how they would handle the ballots if one/any of the Cardinals became ill during the voting process.
But can u imagine a Pope yelling out "crikey!' all the time, wrestling crocs for fun, and going up to world leaders saying "he's goooorgeous."
OK - that's my attempt at bad humor - come to think of it - I'm with ya on a Pope from Oz..
;-)
Could give religion an entirely new breath of life!
When asked about the Pope's passing, Cardinal Pell is reported to have said, "Of course, well miss him...but he's had a good innings".
I think we could cope with a bit more of that view of the world.
But Peter chose the method, didn't he? 8-)
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