New Pope Selection Erupts Into Chaos – Fistfights And Broken Bones

The process of selecting a new pope, known as the conclave, is generally regarded as a somber and orderly event rooted in centuries-old traditions and customs. However, it is on record that despite its spiritual significance, the second 1605 conclave was a noticeable exception to the rule as it descended into chaos, resulting in physical altercations among the cardinals.

As the Catholic Church prepares for another conclave following Pope Francis’s death, the world is again reminded of that turbulent event. This serves as a pointer to the high stakes and intense emotions that can accompany the selection of a new pontiff.

The second 1605 Conclave remains the only one in history with a record of violence

On this day in history, After a scuffle in which one cardinal received broken bones, the papal conclave elected Camillo Borghese as Pope Paul V. 1605#thisdayinhistory #history #vatican #pope #pantyplayshistory pic.twitter.com/4v4uj9zpDe

— Panty Plays History (@Pantyplays) May 16, 2023

 

The 1605 papal election to name Pope Leo XI’s successor was not orderly. The two top contenders, Domenico Tosco, a former soldier, and eminent church historian Cesare Baronius, split the College of Cardinals sharply, leading to a fierce argument. Things got to a head when the cardinals apparently began to shove one another, eventually resulting in the elderly Cardinal Visconti suffering several broken bones.

Despite the fierce debate, neither Baronius nor Tosco emerged as Pope; instead, the cardinals ultimately compromised on a third candidate, Camillo Borghese, who became Pope Paul V.

The 76th conclave to elect the new Pope is underway

Now, the world is awaiting the selection of a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. Cardinals from around the world have gathered in Rome for the 76th conclave to elect the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, and all hands are on deck to ensure that the 1605 conclave chaos does not repeat itself, as security at the Vatican City has been tightened up to avert any unforeseen crisis.

For the proceedings, 252 cardinals, out of which only 133 are eligible to vote, will be behind the walls of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen. The voting process is quite methodical; the cardinal electors cast two ballots each day until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority plus one vote. If no consensus is reached, the ballot papers are burned with a chemical mixture to produce black smoke, signaling that no decision has been made. However, once a pope is elected, the papers are burned to release white smoke, indicating that the Catholic Church has a new head.