RE: Why do cardinals get to elect the Pope?
March 13, 2019 at 1:19 pm
(This post was last modified: March 13, 2019 at 1:20 pm by BrianSoddingBoru4.)
The tradition dates to the Middle Ages. Historically, ALL the Catholics of a given area would get to vote for local priests, deacons, bishops and so on. Sometime in the 11th century, it was decided that the best way to keep secular influences out of the church matters would be to restrict voting for Pope to the cardinals. The idea was to prevent emperors, kings, and other assorted nasties from controlling the church by influencing the election (didn't work).
And, Brian, it IS an election, whether you're uncomfortable with the term or not. Throughout human history, the majority of elections have never been open to the general public.
Boru
And, Brian, it IS an election, whether you're uncomfortable with the term or not. Throughout human history, the majority of elections have never been open to the general public.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax
