Consensus of the Conclave – John O. McGinnis

Consensus of the Conclave – John O. McGinnis

Few elections command as much fascination as the secret conclave of cardinals gathering this week to choose the next pope. Catholics trust that the Holy Spirit guides this decision, yet the outcome still depends on carefully forged human rules. Chief among them is the centuries-old mandate that no candidate may be elected without winning the support of at least two-thirds of the electors. A mere majority does not suffice. The history and functio…