The Cumclave

This article deals with The Cumclave as it relates to NationStates. For more general information, see the Wikipedia article on this subject.

The Cumclave
Forum: Population: 1 nation Delegate: Founder: The Vacancy of Apostolic See
Info: NSEconomy RC XML

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This is a part of the original Wikipedia Article

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A Papal election is the method by which the Roman Catholic Church fills the office of Bishop of Rome, whose incumbent is known as the Pope. An occasion steeped in centuries-old tradition, this meeting of clergymen held to select the Pope is referred to as a conclave or Cumclave. The term comes from the Latin phrase cum clavi ("with a key"), referring to the "locking away" of the Election during the process. Conclaves have been employed since the Second Council of Lyons decreed in 1274 that the electors should meet in seclusion. They are now held in the Sistine Chapel in the Palace of the Vatican.

Since the year 1059, the College of Cardinals has served as the sole body charged with the election of the Pope. In earlier times, members of the clergy and the people of Rome were entitled to participate, in much the same way as the laity helped determine the choice of bishops throughout the Catholic Church during this early period. Popes may make rules relating to election procedures; they may determine the composition of the electoral body, replacing the entire College of Cardinals if they were to so choose. They are not permitted, however, to designate their own successors.