nrc.nl
Papal Conclave Begins: Cardinals to Elect New Pope
Following Pope Francis' death, a conclave of 133 cardinals will convene to elect his successor, marking a pivotal moment for the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.
- How have historical papal elections shaped the current selection process?
- Historically, papal elections were chaotic, involving armed conflicts and outside interference. The 1059 reforms by Pope Nicholas II established the College of Cardinals as electors, although external influence and corruption persisted for centuries, including instances of bribery and violence.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the next papal election?
- Future papal elections will likely maintain the established conclave system, although technological safeguards against outside interference (such as electronic surveillance) will remain. The election's geopolitical implications, while diminished, will likely continue to subtly influence the selection.
- What immediate impact will the papal election have on the global Catholic Church?
- The death of Pope Francis has initiated the conclave, where 133 cardinals will elect his successor. The process concludes with white smoke signaling a new pope, chosen by a two-thirds majority, who will then lead the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative structure emphasizes the historical drama and controversies surrounding past papal elections, potentially overshadowing the more procedural aspects of modern conclaves. The vivid descriptions of past conflicts might create a biased perception of the conclave as inherently chaotic and conflict-ridden, although the text acknowledges that recent elections have been less dramatic. The headline, if any, might also influence this framing.
Language Bias
The language is largely neutral and descriptive, however words like "liederlijkheid" (licentiousness) and "lage streken" (low blows) when describing past events, could be perceived as carrying a negative connotation and lack objectivity. More neutral terms like "immoral behavior" or "underhanded tactics" could have been used instead.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on historical accounts of papal elections, potentially omitting contemporary perspectives or analyses of current processes and influences. The lack of discussion on modern-day factors influencing papal elections, such as media coverage and global politics, could limit a complete understanding of the current selection process.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present false dichotomies, but the historical focus might implicitly suggest a dichotomy between past chaotic elections and the present supposedly more orderly system. This simplifies the complexity of modern political and social factors that continue to influence the conclave.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the evolution of papal elections, from violent conflicts and corruption to the establishment of a more regulated process. The current system, while not without challenges, represents progress towards peaceful and just institutional processes within the Catholic Church.