History Extra podcast How to choose a pope
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May 8, 2025 Rebecca Rist, a Professor of Medieval History at the University of Reading and a papal history expert, dives into the fascinating world of papal elections. She discusses the dramatic shifts in the voting process over centuries, including the intricate path to securing a two-thirds majority. Rist probes the intriguing possibility of a female pope in history and evaluates controversial figures like Alexander VI. The conversation also touches on the complexities of papal legitimacy, schisms, and the evolving role of women in the Church.
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Papal Conclave Voting Process
- The papal conclave secludes cardinals in the Sistine Chapel to choose a pope by secret ballot.
- The process requires a two-thirds majority, with up to four ballots per day until a pope is elected.
Origins of the Papacy
- The pope is considered the successor to St. Peter with spiritual authority passed down unbroken.
- Early church leaders did not call themselves popes, but eventually the term and authority evolved.
College of Cardinals and Conclave Origins
- The College of Cardinals has existed since at least the 7th century but only controlled papal elections firmly from the 11th century.
- Gregory X formalized the conclave rules in the 13th century after a long election deadlock.