That Motu Proprio.
Pope Benedict issued a Motu Proprio today – about Papal elections.
Made public today was a "Motu Proprio," written in Latin, with which the Holy Father Benedict XVI restores the traditional norm concerning the majority required for the election of the Supreme Pontiff. According to this norm, in order for the election of a new Pope to be considered valid it is always necessary to reach a majority of two thirds of the cardinals present.
With this document, Benedict XVI substitutes the norm established by John Paul II who, in his 1996 Apostolic Constitution "Universi Dominici gregis," laid down that the valid quorum for electing a new Pope was initially two thirds but that, after three days of voting without an election, there would be a day dedicated to reflection and prayer, without voting. Thereafter, voting would resume for seven additional ballots, another pause for reflection, another seven ballots, another pause and yet another seven ballots. After which an absolute majority was to decide how to proceed, either for a vote by absolute majority or with balloting between two candidates. This was to happen only in the event that the cardinals arrived at the 33rd or 34th ballot without a positive result.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the pope’s modification "removes the option of moving to a simple majority, 50 percent plus one." It also removes the option of continuing to seek a two-thirds majority on an open ballot, he said.
"This is a response to requests that the one elected always be elected with an ample consensus," Father Lombardi said.
The pope’s action also eliminates the possibility that a conclave stalemated between two strong candidates could turn to a compromise choice after the 13th day.
Most experts believe the chance of a conclave lasting that long in modern times is very small. Over the last century, no conclave has lasted more than five days.
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