I have never attended a Conclave to elect a Pope. I doubt that I ever will. It is unlikely, dear reader, that you have ever attended a conclave either – unless we number a Cardinal among our online readers.
There is a great secrecy and drama surrounding the election of a Pope. The cardinals who will vote are locked into their accommodation until their task is completed. The voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel. There are rituals and ceremonies to be followed that are steeped in history. There is also a bit of chat about likely candidates for the Papacy. There is a ban on contact with the outside world.
Then when the smoke plumes white from the chimney where the ballot papers are burnt, a great roar goes up from the assembled crowds in St Peter’s Square. There is a pause and then onto the balcony comes the one who has been elected Pope. The announcement is made, ‘Habemus Papam’. ‘We have a Pope’ is greeted with expectation as to what name will be announced. One of the cardinals is named and then the name by which he will be known during his Pontificate. We have had John, Paul, John Paul (twice) and Benedict in recent times...