Gone Medieval Conclave: Picking Popes
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May 6, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Jessica Wärnberg, author of 'City of Echoes,' reveals the theatrical nature of papal elections in the Middle Ages. She and Dr. Eleanor Janega unpack the political intrigues of powerful families influencing outcomes. The conversation dives into the establishment of cardinal-only voting and the complexities introduced by the Third Lateran Council. They also discuss how the evolving conclave process reflected both divine and political pressures. Expect bizarre tales that show the very human side of one of history's most secretive elections.
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Pope Fabian's Divine Election
- The election of Pope Fabian involved a dove landing on his head, seen as a divine sign.
- This miraculous event swayed the crowd to unanimously choose him as pope after two weeks of deliberation.
Viterbo Lockdown Forces Pope
- The papal election after Clement IV dragged for nearly three years.
- Locals locked cardinals up, removed the roof, and cut food to bread and water to force a decision.
Early Papal Selection Varied
- St. Peter, the first pope, was appointed not elected, setting a unique precedent.
- Early papal succession involved varied and less formal selection methods that evolved over centuries.