The Politics Behind the Papacy: A Glimpse into the Secretive World of Conclave
The BBC has obtained exclusive insights into the inner workings of the Catholic Church’s conclave, the secretive process by which a new Pope is elected. According to sources close to the Vatican, the conclave is a complex web of strategic alliances, tactical manoeuvres, and intense deliberations.
"It’s essentially about the political machinations that go on," Nick Emerson, the editor of a recent film dramatising the conclave, told the BBC earlier this year. This film provides a fascinating glimpse into the cutthroat world of Vatican politics, where cardinals with competing ideologies and interests engage in a delicate dance of persuasion and negotiation.
Tina Beattie, professor emerita of Catholic studies at the University of Roehampton, notes that while some cardinals will prioritise following divine guidance, others will be anxious to make a swift decision. "Given that Pope Francis’s health had been poor for a while, it is likely that, even before the conclave, there will have been lots of politicking and jostling for position already behind the scenes," she adds.
The BBC understands that much of the drama of the conclave may not play out in the voting booths, but in the meetings and discussions that take place in the days leading up to the official start of the conclave. During this time, the cardinals will be engaging in intense discussions, getting to know one another, and working out what their priorities are.
According to Prof. Rowlands, who is nearing the end of a two-year secondment to the Vatican, the cardinals will be focused on "getting to know each other, working out what the priorities are and learning how to work together as a body so they can come up with a unified decision". This process of building relationships and establishing a consensus will be crucial in the lead-up to the conclave.
The film that dramatises the conclave provides a gripping portrayal of the tensions and conflicts that arise during the process. On screen, claustrophobic and intense deliberations, strategic huddles, and tactical moves abound. One cardinal undermines a frontrunner to improve their own chances, while others with unlikely prospects urge their supporters to change their vote.
As the Catholic Church prepares for the next conclave, the BBC’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the secretive world of Vatican politics. With the health of Pope Francis continuing to be a concern, the Church is facing a period of significant change and uncertainty. As Prof. Beattie notes, "There will be all those tussles going on and [the cardinals] won’t all be of one mind." The conclave, and the politics that surround it, will be a crucial moment in determining the future of the Catholic Church.
The BBC has been reporting on the Catholic Church and the Vatican for many years, providing in-depth analysis and commentary on the latest developments. For more information on the Catholic Church and the conclave, visit the BBC’s dedicated section.
Source: BBC News
