In a rare and candid interview, Dr. Josep María Martí, a seasoned historian with firsthand experience in papal conclaves, shared his thoughts on how the election of a Pope should have been more transparent and less secretive. At 75 years old, Dr. Martí holds a doctorate from the Gregorian University of Rome and once served as secretary to Narcís Jubany, the Archbishop of Barcelona during the 1970s. Together, they attended the conclave that elected Pope John Paul II.
The Unprecedented Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI
When Pope Benedict XVI resigned, it marked the first papal resignation in 500 years. “Historically, there have been 22 papal resignations, some voluntary and others imposed,” Dr. Martí explained. He cited the example of Pope St. Pontian, who was exiled to the mines of Sardinia and forced to abdicate. Another notable case was Pope Celestine V, who possibly suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and was unable to fulfill his duties, leading to his resignation.
Health-related resignations are not unprecedented. “There have been about five or six resignations due to health concerns, much like that of Benedict XVI,” Dr. Martí noted. The case of Pope Formosus is particularly unusual; after his death in 896 AD, he was put on trial in the infamous “Cadaver Synod,” and his papacy was posthumously annulled.
The Crucial Role of Pre-Conclave Meetings
Dr. Martí emphasized the importance of the meetings that preceded the conclave. “The pre-conclave was often more important than the conclave itself,” he asserted. These gatherings allowed cardinals to converse, ask questions and gather information about one another. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “We had conversations with as many cardinals as possible. We’d have vermouth with some, lunch with others and coffee after meals with another group.”
Despite speculation and favorites, the outcome of a conclave often defied expectations. “If a cardinal entered the conclave as a favorite to become Pope, he would leave simply as a cardinal,” Dr. Martí quipped. This unpredictability highlighted the complex dynamics within the College of Cardinals.
Historical Challenges in Papal Elections
Papal conclaves have not always been swift. “The conclave that elected Gregory X lasted three and a half years,” Dr. Martí recounted. During this prolonged period, measures were taken to hasten a decision. “They reduced the cardinals’ meals to bread and water and even removed the roof in February to expose them to the elements,” he explained. Such extreme actions underscored the difficulties in reaching a consensus.
Today, conclaves are more efficient. “Recent conclaves haven’t taken long and everything indicated that trend would have continued,” Dr. Martí observed. However, the secrecy surrounding the proceedings remains stringent. “For the past century, there’s been absolute rigor. No cardinal can reveal anything,” he noted.
Limited Access and Traditions Within the Conclave
Access to the conclave is highly restricted. Besides the cardinal electors, only a select few participate, including the Master of Ceremonies, kitchen staff, medical personnel and some nuns. “In Pope Paul VI’s time, the secretaries of the cardinals were allowed, but that changed,” Dr. Martí mentioned. He recalled how his own access was denied due to updated rules, reflecting the increasing emphasis on confidentiality.
A notable tradition within the conclave is that when a cardinal is elected Pope, he places his biretta on the head of the Master of Ceremonies. “However, Pope Benedict XVI did not follow this tradition with Guido Marini,” Dr. Martí pointed out. Such deviations highlight subtle shifts in papal customs.
Life Inside the Conclave: Simplicity and Reflection
Life within the conclave is modest and focused. “They don’t have a special menu; they eat normally,” Dr. Martí said. While some cardinals require special diets, the Santa Marta residence provides simple dining options. Leisure activities are minimal. “They engage in moments of prayer and can converse among themselves, but they don’t participate in leisure activities or watch television, as they can’t have any communication with the outside world,” he added.
This seclusion ensures that the cardinals can focus entirely on the solemn task of electing the new Pope without external influences.
A Call for Greater Transparency in the Church
Dr. Martí expressed a desire for increased openness in the election process. “I wished the election of the Pope and archbishops had been more open and participatory and less secretive,” he stated emphatically. He believed that such transparency could strengthen the connection between the Church and its followers.
“Sometimes, cardinals inadvertently reveal details about the conclave, but officially, everything is kept under wraps,” he noted. This strict confidentiality can create a barrier between the Church’s hierarchy and its global congregation.
The Ideal Qualities of a Future Pope
When asked about the qualities the future Pope should have possessed, Dr. Martí was clear in his vision. “I believed the Church needed to continue the path of openness started by John XXIII and followed by Paul VI,” he asserted. He praised the recent Popes, including Benedict XVI and hoped the next would be similar in caliber.
Dr. Martí speculated on potential papal names, understanding their symbolic significance. “I thought he might have been named John Paul III or perhaps Benedict XVII,” he mused. The choice of name often reflects the direction the new Pope wishes to steer the Church.
The Significance Behind Papal Names
The tradition of Popes choosing a regnal name dates back centuries. “Initially, Popes used their baptismal names. But in 533 AD, a man named Mercurius became Pope and adopted the name John II, as it was deemed inappropriate for a Pope to bear the name of a pagan deity,” Dr. Martí explained.
Since the 7th century, Popes have chosen names that signify the values or the legacy they wish to continue. “For example, Benedict XVI chose his name because Benedict XV was a peacemaker during World War I and he wished to pacify the Church,” he elaborated. This tradition allows each Pope to align himself with certain predecessors or ideals.
Nationalities and the Papal Election
The question of nationality in papal elections is inevitable. “The reality is that more than half of the cardinal electors were Italian, which suggested the next Pope could have been Italian,” Dr. Martí observed. However, he acknowledged the vitality of churches in Latin America and Africa.
“Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier from South Africa was under 70 and could have been a good choice, representing an opening of the Church,” he suggested. Additionally, he mentioned that there were noteworthy cardinals in Brazil, the United States and Italy who could have brought diverse perspectives to the papacy.
The Possibility of a Spanish Pope
Expressing personal hopes, Dr. Martí said, “I would have loved for us to have had a Spanish Pope.” He spoke highly of Archbishop Lluís Martínez Sistach of Barcelona. “He is well-liked, has a great command of languages and is the cardinal of Barcelona, a city globally recognized for football and the Sagrada Família,” he highlighted. Such a choice could have signified a bridge between tradition and modernity.
The Need for Openness in the Modern Church
Throughout the interview, Dr. Martí returned to the theme of transparency. “I believed that greater openness could benefit the Church in the modern world,” he emphasized. By demystifying the election process and making it more participatory, the Church could strengthen its relationship with its followers.
“The election of the Pope should not be shrouded in secrecy but should reflect the collective hopes and needs of the global Catholic community,” he concluded.
For more on the history and procedures of papal conclaves, you can visit the Vatican’s official website. Additionally, the Catholic Encyclopedia provides an in-depth look at the traditions and evolution of the conclave.
Dr. Josep María Martí’s insights offer a unique perspective on the complexities of papal elections. His experiences underscore the balance between tradition and the evolving needs of the Church. As the Catholic Church continues to navigate the challenges of the modern world, voices like Dr. Martí’s highlight the importance of openness, dialogue and connection with the faithful.
