Le elezioni pontificie. Cenni storici e spunti di riflessione

Abstract

The electoral system through which the popes are elected has peculiar characteristics, which make it difficult to use it as a model for other institutions. Nevertheless, recalling the history of the elections of the bishop of Rome, the oldest example of an electoral institute still in use, could be a stimulus for reflections that are useful even today. The changes that have taken place over time (from the assembly of the whole Christian community of Rome to the conclave of the cardinals), with repeated adjustments and reconsiderations, have adapted the system to very different situations. However, they have always maintained the original goal of choosing the one to guide the Roman church.