Papal Conclave
A papal conclave is the regulated assembly of cardinal electors that elects a Roman Pontiff during a vacancy of the Apostolic See.[1]
Nature of the office
Election belongs exclusively to cardinals who have not reached the statutory age limit before the vacancy begins. The enclosure, oath, secrecy, ballots, and required majority protect the electors’ freedom and the Church’s independence from civil interference.
Canonical place
The conclave does not confer episcopal ordination. A validly elected person becomes Pope by accepting election if already a bishop; otherwise he must be ordained bishop immediately. The current special law is Universi Dominici Gregis as subsequently amended.
References
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canon 335 and the special law of papal elections — Universal or special law governing the office and its competence.