The quirky history (and future) of papal conclaves

Few events inspire a media spectacle quite like the election of a
pope. The white smoke, cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel,
secret ballots and ancient rules—it’s catnip for secular and
Catholic journalists alike. But how did these customs evolve—and
how might they change in the future? To find out, Zac and Ashley
talk with Miles Pattenden, a historian, expert in the history of
papal conclaves and the author of Electing the Pope in Early Modern
Italy, 1450-1700. They discuss: How the election of popes evolved
from St. Peter to today The role of the Holy Spirit—and
politicking—inside conclaves And whether the secrecy of conclaves
can survive in a modern world that prizes transparency In Signs of
the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new Justice Department
investigation into last year’s leaked F.B.I. memo about the
potential domestic threat posed by “traditional Catholics.” Plus,
in a talk about forgiveness, a Michigan bishop called on Catholics
not to “hate” politicians like Joe Biden—and then called the
president stupid.  Want to advertise your school, ministry
program, book or anything else on Jesuitical? Send us an email at
jesuitical@americamedia.org  Links from the show: No Bias
Found in F.B.I. Report on Catholic Extremists Biden ‘doesn't
understand the Catholic faith,’ bishop says: ‘I’m not angry at him,
he’s just stupid’ Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy,
1450-1700, by Miles Pattenden  MilesPattenden.com What’s on
tap? Amaro Spritz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
megaphone.fm/adchoices