MAP94: Papal Conclave: Medieval Origins of the Modern Election

MAP94: Papal Conclave: Medieval Origins of the Modern Election

From Medieval Archives by The Archivist

April 29, 2025 · 39 min · Episode 94

About this episode

This episode explores the medieval origins of the Papal Conclave and its evolution into the modern election process for the Pope.

🇻🇦 The Papal Conclave🇻🇦 💰Become a Producer! DONATE to the show via PayPal , or use Venmo You can also donate with Stripe 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 Popes after Gregory rescinded the papal conclave and elections took months and years to complete.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…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Rayburn

Topics covered

  • Papal Conclave
  • Medieval Origins
  • Election Process

Keywords

  • Pope Francis
  • Sede Vacante
  • Papal bull
  • Gregory X
  • Celestine V
  • Boniface VIII

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Castamatic, iCatcher, Fountain, Breez

Books & works: Absolute Monarchs : A History of the Papacy, Medieval History

Places: Italy

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