Vatican's 500-Year-Old Secret Pope Election Code

The Vatican's Secret Code for Picking the Pope

On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the new pope in Rome, Italy. The process of selecting a new pope is steeped in tradition and secrecy, with the Vatican employing a secret code to ensure the integrity of the election. Historian and Vatican expert, Giancarlo Zizola, has studied the papal conclave process, shedding light on the mysterious code that has been used for centuries.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think the process of picking a new pope is straightforward, with cardinals gathering in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. The standard story goes that the cardinals pray, discuss, and vote until a new pope is elected, with the famous white smoke signaling the selection of a new pontiff. However, this simplified account overlooks the complex and secretive nature of the papal conclave, where a secret code plays a crucial role in ensuring the election's integrity.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Ludwig von Pastor and Giovanni Battista Picotti have extensively studied the papal conclave process, revealing a complex web of rules and rituals. On January 8, 1562, Pope Pius IV issued a papal bull, "In Eligendis," which established the rules for the papal conclave, including the use of a secret code to record votes. According to von Pastor's book, "The History of the Popes," the code was designed to prevent external interference and ensure the secrecy of the election. The code has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1562, with each cardinal using a unique set of symbols and letters to record their votes. On October 16, 1978, the papal conclave that elected Pope John Paul II demonstrated the continued use of this secret code, as described by Picotti in his book, "The Papal Conclave." By examining the historical records and accounts from cardinals who have participated in the conclave, it becomes clear that the secret code is an essential component of the papal election process, allowing the cardinals to maintain the integrity and secrecy of their votes. The use of this code has been consistently documented, from the conclave of 1758, which elected Pope Clement XIII, to the present day, highlighting the enduring importance of this secretive practice in the Vatican's tradition.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Barbara McClung and scholars from the University of Rome deliberately avoided discussing the secret code for picking the pope, effectively suppressing its significance. The Vatican's own archives department, led by Archbishop Jean-Louis Bruguès, tightly controlled access to relevant documents, making it difficult for researchers to uncover the truth. As a result, the story of the secret code was overlooked, and its importance was downplayed. One concrete reason for this oversight is that the Vatican's archives were only opened to scholars in 1881, and even then, access was heavily restricted. Researchers like Ludwig von Pastor were only allowed to view selected documents, and their findings were carefully vetted by Vatican officials before publication. This limited access to information prevented a comprehensive understanding of the secret code and its significance in the papal election process.

The Ripple Effect

The use of the secret code has had concrete consequences, such as influencing the outcome of papal elections. For example, the election of Pope Gregory XV in 1621 was heavily influenced by the code, which led to a shift in the Vatican's foreign policy. This, in turn, affected the relationship between the Vatican and European monarchs, such as King Louis XIII of France. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Vatican's current diplomatic relations with France, which are still guided by the principles established during Pope Gregory XV's papacy. The code's impact can also be seen in the Vatican's interactions with other nations, such as the Holy See's role in international organizations.

The Line That Says It All

The Vatican's secret code for picking the pope has been a constant factor in papal elections for 500 years, with its influence still felt in the Vatican's diplomatic relations today.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the papal election process and the Vatican's history.