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MAP94: Papal Conclave: Medieval Origins of the Modern Election

MAP94: Papal Conclave: Medieval Origins of the Modern Election

Author: The Archivist April 29, 2025 Duration: 39:10
Medieval Archives
HistoryEducation

🇻🇦The Papal Conclave🇻🇦

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Pope Francis died on 21 Apr 2025 starting a process established in the Middle Ages.

Learn all about the Medieval origins of the Papal Conclave and watch as it unfolds in modern Italy during the Papal Conclave of 2025.

Once a Pope dies the Vatican enters a period called Sede Vacante, (Vacant Seat). Then the process of the Papal Conclave is started. Pope Gregory X issued the Papal bull Ubi periculum maius intenditur (Where greater danger lies) in 1274 which established the Papal Conclave.

Popes after Gregory rescinded the papal conclave and elections took months and years to complete.

The last pope elected outside the Papal Conclave process was Pope Celestine V in 1294. Celestine reinstated Gregory's papal bull and the papal conclave. Celestine's successor, Boniface VIII was elected through the Papal Conclave process as has every Pope since.

There have been modifications over the centuries but the core process remains the same.

Listen in to learn the Medieval origins of the papal conclave, how the conclave and voting process works. Who takes the oath of secrecy, why a popes change their names and what does the smoke mean?

Get all the links and see all the pictures in the show notes on Medieval Archives!


Grab a free copy of Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy by John Julius Norwich.

  • (00:00) - Bells Toll for Pope Francis
  • (00:27) - Welcome to the Medieval Archives
  • (02:02) - Pope Francis has Died
  • (02:59) - 1978 The Year of Three Popes
  • (05:00) - Papal Conclave Medieval Origins
  • (14:31) - How to Elect A Pope
  • (19:15) - The Conclave Begins
  • (31:20) - Conclave is Over Thanks to Medieval Popes
  • (31:41) - Who Will be the Next Pope?
  • (34:23) - Thanks for your support!!
  • (35:38) - Papal Anthem
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Intro music provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com


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Step into the world of Medieval Archives, where host The Archivist guides you through the sprawling, complex landscape of a thousand-year era. This isn't just a parade of dates and famous names. Instead, each episode is a deep exploration, peeling back the layers of popular legend to examine the tangible realities of medieval life. You'll hear about the strategic calculations behind what we call epic battles, the fragile alliances within courtly intrigue, and the quiet rhythms of survival in villages far from castle walls. The podcast is built on a foundation of historical evidence, carefully separating enduring fact from compelling fiction. By focusing on the people-from monarchs and saints to merchants and peasants-and the beliefs that guided them, the narrative connects these distant events to our understanding of today. Whether discussing the rise of a kingdom, the fall of a dynasty, or the evolution of a simple tool, the aim is to provide context and clarity. Tune in for a thoughtful, accessible journey that treats history not as a static record but as a continuous, human story. The medieval world was one of profound transformation, and this series seeks to illuminate how it was truly lived, felt, and shaped by those who were there.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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