[Mrs. Don-o]

What kind and degree of "politicking" before, during or after a papal conclave is enough to have it ruled defective?

And who would give such a ruling? The head of the Apostolic Signatura? The Camerlengo? (both now Bergoglian appointees, no doubt)

Wasno't it John Paul II who wrote the "no politicking" rule? Did he ever spell out how it would actually work?

[ebb tide]

What kind and degree of "politicking" before, during or after a papal conclave is enough to have it ruled defective?

And who would give such a ruling?

UNIVERSI DOMINICI GREGIS

76. Should the election take place in a way other than that prescribed in the present Constitution, or should the conditions laid down here not be observed, the election is for this very reason null and void, without any need for a declaration on the matter; consequently, it confers no right on the one elected.

Universi Dominici Gregis also states:

g) they shall arrange for the destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and of the lead seal with which Apostolic Letters are despatched;

I believe Pope Benedict XVI still wears his fisherman's ring.