On Papal Conclaves

by W. C. Cartwright

ON THE CONSTITUTION OF
PAPAL CONCLAVES.

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BY W. C.CARTWRIGHT.

EDINBURGH: EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS.—MDCCCLXVIII.

PREFACE.

This small volume is the expansion (of an article which appeared in No. XC. of the North British Review. A lengthened residence in Rome made me follow with much interest what has been happening there during the late eventful years. The circumstance which specially prompted me, in the first instance, to begin the inquiries which have led to this treatise was the case of Cardinal Andrea. When the intention was announced of proceeding against this dignitary in a mode as to the legality of which there arose discussion, I sought to satisfy myself about precedents and canon law on this head; and this inquiry quickly led me beyond the merely special point I had originally in view. It thus happens that the present publication falls together in time with probably the closing incident in the matter which first suggested composition; for as these pages are going through the press, the news arrive of Cardinal Andrea having returned to Romp in deference to the Pope's citation of him. Another subject which occupied my attention when once I found myself engaged in the midst of constitutional questions lying at the route of the Pope's sovereign prerogatives, was to see how far there might be foundation for the assertion so freely dealt in by the upholders of the Non-Possumus principle, that the Pope, in the matter of his temporalities, is bound by oaths of such peculiar stringency that he cannot release himself there from. Although I had been too much alive to the intricate nature of the subject I was trying to investigate, not to seek every assistance within my reach, I became soon painfully aware that I had been guilty of not a few omissions and downright errors in the original Issue. My best thanks are due especially to the criticisms of some Roman friends, who drew my attention to these slips. I hope that I have now removed these inaccuracies; and that by the additions, which are not inconsiderable, I may have rendered the present publication, what it has been my earnest object to make it, a summary which may be of use to the historical student, wherein he will find constitutional facts stated without passion, or desire to subserve party views.

I must add that the engraved title-page has been taken from the Histoire des Conclave, Cologne 103.

London. Christmas Eve 1867

CONTENTS.

 

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I.
	PAGE
Materials in Italian archives for history of Conclaves—Importance of next Conclave—Scope of present publication,	1
II.
Recent date of the prerogatives of Cardinals—Elevation of Nicolas II. to the Papal See—His Bull—Alexander II., his election and Bull—Protracted election at Viterbo—Gregory X.'s Bull constituting Conclaves—Memorable suspension of its force by the Council of Constance,	9
III.
What happens immediately on Pope's demise—The Cardinal Camerlengo—The great Bell of the Capitol—Complete suspension of the Executiveduring Interregnum—Bulls, Briefs, and Chirographs—Powers of Cardinals during Interregnum—Lawless state of Rome during Conclave-time—Pretensions put forth by Nobles—Case of Prince Vaini—Riotous election of Urban VII.—State of Rome in Interregnum after the death of Paul III. —Bull of Pius IV. forbidding Wagers—The improvised Stock Exchange in Rome in seasons of Conclave—Inadequacy of the Bull to stop the public gambling— Riot in 1590—Governorship of Leonine City abolished—Office of Marshal of the Conclave—Obsequies of the Pope—Scene at the Funeral of Alexander VI.—Deathbed of Gregory XVI.—Congregations preliminary to Conclave—Position and Influence of Conclavists—Intrigue of the Conclavist Torres—Election of Marcellus II.,	30
IV.
Question how far Preliminary Ceremonial can be dispensed with—Various precedents in point—Provisions made by Pius VI., and by Gregory XVI.,	79
V.
Present Site of Conclave in the Quirinal—Description of former locality in the Vatican—Ascetic Regulations of Gregory X.—Turning-wheels invented—Imperfect observance of prescribed secrecy in Conclave—Last moments previous to proclamation of Conclave,.	103
VI.
Conclave—The Cardinals first prove their Identity—Real nature of a Cardinal's dignity—Remarkable instances of Dispensations accorded—The Lay Cardinal—A Cardinal cum ore clauso—Nomination in petto—Nomination in secret in former times—Absolute sacredness of Cardinal's right to vote Degradation of the Cardinals Colonna—Bull of Clement V. on the subject—Cases of Cardinals Soderini, Coscia, Altieri, Antici, and Maury—The subject of revived importance as bearing on the case of Cardinal Andrea,	117
VII.
Description of the chapel where the Cardinals vote—The three modes by which alone a Pope can be created—Election tricks practised—Sham candidates—The Veto vested in certain Crowns: instances of its application—Its intended application at Election of Pius IX.—Choice of a Pope not limited within the body of Cardinals—Adrian V. never took orders—Proclamation of new Pope by the Cardinal Dean—Question as to when the creation of a Pope is actually consummated—His enthronement—His taking possession of the Lateran Basilica,	150
VIII.
Nature of the Oaths sworn to by Popes—Bulls of Alexander VII. and Pius V. against alienation of Church property—Modified by Gregory XIV., but again confirmed by Clement VIII.—Alexander VII.'s Bull, Constitutio Moderatoria Donationum,	172
IX.
The Conclave in which Pius IX. was elected—Cirumstances under which Gregory XVI.'s death occurred—State of parties in the Sacred College—Prominent Candidates—Lambruschini's character—Cardinal Micara the Capuchin—Tactics of Altieri—Lambruschini's attempt at a coup de main—Effect of this move—Mastai becomes the Candidate of an awakened opposition—Cardinal Franzoni's conscientious acts—Election of Pius IX., and the too late arrival of the Austrian veto against it—Reflections,	185
Appendix A,	207
Appendix B,	212

Chapters (not listed in original)

• Index