The Cardinal Electors, Then and Now, by Raymond J. de Souza

Does a conclave elect the man the Holy Spirit desires to lead the Church? History teaches that sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s view was that too many poor popes have been elected to say that the man who emerges is always God’s choice. At the same time, the Holy Spirit, in Ratzinger’s memorable phrase, offers the “assurance . . . that the thing cannot be totally ruined.”

The Holy Spirit does not get a vote in the conclave. The cardinals elect the pope, and no one else. The more apt question then is whether this particular conclave is likely to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit, knowing of course that even Balaam’s ass can speak should God so will it (Num. 22:21–35).

At 133 electors, it is the largest conclave in history. Quantitatively big, it has enormous geographic reach, from Mongolia to Madagascar, but not Montreal or Milan. Quantity, though, is not as important as quality. …

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