Skip to content

Revising the Papal Election Process?

Cardinal Ghirlanda Rebuts Involvement in Papal Election Reforms Amidst Media Speculation and Vatican Denials

In recent developments that have stirred the waters of Catholic media, reports emerged over the weekend from prominent Catholic outlets The Pillar and The Remnant suggesting that Pope Francis had commissioned Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda to draft significant changes to the papal election process. Cardinal Ghirlanda, an esteemed Italian Canon lawyer within Vatican circles, was said to be at the helm of efforts to inject a more synodal dimension into the pre-conclave proceedings.

The suggested revisions included altering the pre-conclave meetings to foster small group discussions reminiscent of the Synod on Synodality’s approach and restricting participation in these gatherings exclusively to cardinals under the age of 80 — those eligible to vote in the conclave.

However, in a recent turn of events, Cardinal Ghirlanda has categorically denied any involvement with the supposed reforms. In an unequivocal statement to EWTN News, the Cardinal expressed his unawareness of the matter, branding any such attributions to him as “a pure lie.” Similarly, the Vatican spokesperson has denied knowledge of any such changes, as stated to the Catholic News Agency.

For clarity on the swirling speculations, EWTN News Editorial Director Dr. Matthew Bunson offered his insights. Dr. Bunson confirmed that while the reports of reform have indeed been circulating, they remain unsubstantiated. According to him, Cardinal Ghirlanda’s denial and the Vatican’s refutation cast significant doubt on the veracity of the initial reports.

Addressing the plausibility and mechanics of altering the papal election process, Dr. Bunson clarified that, indeed, a pope holds the authority to modify the procedures of electing his successor. History has seen such changes instituted by Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and even minor amendments by Pope Francis. Any modifications would necessitate a papal decree to revise the election or its preparatory stages.

Among the more controversial and speculative aspects of the reported changes is the potential inclusion of laypeople in the General Congregations, the assemblies of the cardinals preceding the actual conclave. There were even murmurs of a proposition to have laypeople serve as electors in the conclave itself — a significant departure from the longstanding tradition of exclusive cardinal electors.

However, as Dr. Bunson noted, while Pope Francis possesses the full prerogative to instigate such reforms, there is presently no concrete evidence to suggest that such changes are imminent or even under serious consideration.

As it stands, the Catholic Church and its faithful observers are left to navigate between speculative reports and firm denials. While the possibility of change looms perennially in the ever-evolving life of the Church, for now, the mechanisms of electing the Successor of Peter remain unaltered. Whether Pope Francis will venture to redefine this aspect of Church governance remains to be seen, leaving many to watch and wait for any official word from the Holy See.

(Adapted by Jacob Stein)

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

55 Year Anniversary of Sant’Egidio Community

On Thursday, February the 9th, the Basilica of St. John Lateran hosted an extraordinary Eucharistic Celebration presided over

Who is the Rome Diocese’s new vicar general, future Cardinal Baldassare Reina?

Pope Francis gave the Rome Diocese its new vicar general.

Pope Francis’ Upcoming Schedule for July & August 2023

The upcoming Pope Francis' schedule for July and August has been announced and includes a special Mass for Grandparents followed by two significant apostolic visits

Church and Charity: Bridging the Gap and Serving the Peripheries

Join us for the latest edition of “Roman Nights” where Ambassador Antonio Zanardi Landi, Reverend David Hulshof, and

Vatican to publish new document on Marian apparitions next week

Next Friday, May 17, the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, will present a new document on the discernment of Marian apparitions and other supernatural events.

Dancers Dedicate Tango To Pope Francis At Gemelli Hospital

A group of tango enthusiasts, the emblematic dance of Pope Francis’ homeland, gathered in the plaza in front of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday to express their support and closeness to the Holy Father through dance.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNit