Jump to content

1621 papal conclave: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
standardize first sentence with the rest of the 17th century series
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit iOS app edit
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Election of Pope Gregory XV}}
{{Infobox papal conclave
{{Infobox papal conclave
| month = February
| month = February
Line 5: Line 6:
| dates = 8–9 February 1621
| dates = 8–9 February 1621
| location = [[Apostolic Palace]], [[Papal States]]
| location = [[Apostolic Palace]], [[Papal States]]
| dean = [[Antonio Maria Sauli]]
| dean =
| subdean = [[Benedetto Giustiniani]]
| subdean =
| camerlengo = [[Pietro Aldobrandini]]
| camerlengo =
| protopriest = [[Ottavio Bandini]]
| protopriest =
| protodeacon = [[Andrea Baroni Peretti Montalto]]
| protodeacon =
| secretary = <!--Secretary of the College of Cardinals-->
| secretary = <!--Secretary of the College of Cardinals-->
| candidates = [[Pietro Campori]]
| candidates =
| vetoed = <!--Name of those vetoed-->
| vetoed = <!--Name of those vetoed-->
| ballots = <!--Number of ballots used for papal election-->
| ballots = <!--Number of ballots used for papal election-->
| pope_elected= [[Pope Gregory XV|Alessandro Ludovisi]]
| pope_elected= [[Pope Gregory XV|Alessandro Ludovisi]]
| nametaken = Gregory XV
| nametaken = Gregory XV
| image = Guercino - Pope Gregory XV (ca. 1622-1623) - Google Art Project.jpg
| image = Pope Gregory XV.jpg
| prevconclave_year=May 1605
| prevconclave_year=May 1605
| prevconclave_link=Papal conclave, May 1605
| prevconclave_link=May 1605 papal conclave
| nextconclave_year= 1623
| nextconclave_year= 1623
| nextconclave_link=Papal conclave, 1623
| nextconclave_link=1623 papal conclave
}}
}}
The '''papal conclave of 1621''' (February 8 – February 9) was convened on the death of [[Pope Paul V]] and ended with the election of Alessandro Ludovisi as [[Pope Gregory XV]]. It was the shortest conclave in the seventeenth century.<ref>[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/konklavechronologie.html Vatican History: Konklavechronologie]</ref>
In the [[papal conclave]] held from 8 to 9 February 1621, Cardinal [[Alessandro Ludovisi]] was elected to succeed [[Paul V]] as [[pope]]. Ludovisi [[papal name|took the name]] Gregory XV. It was the shortest conclave in the seventeenth century.<ref>[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/konklavechronologie.html Vatican History: Konklavechronologie] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413091000/http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/konklavechronologie.html |date=2014-04-13 }}</ref>


==Death of Paul V==
==Death of Paul V==


[[Pope Paul V]] died on January 28, 1621 in the 16th year of his pontificate. At the time of his death, there were seventy cardinals in the [[Sacred College]], but only sixty nine were valid electors. Fifty one of them participated in the election of the new Pope.
[[Pope Paul V]] died on January 28, 1621, in the 16th year of his pontificate. At the time of his death, there were seventy cardinals in the [[Sacred College]], but only sixty nine were valid electors. Fifty one of them participated in the election of the new Pope.


==Factions in the Sacred College==
==Factions in the Sacred College==


There were three main parties in the Sacred College, with cardinal-nephews of the deceased Popes as leaders:<ref name="VH">[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/gregor_xv_.html Vatican History]</ref>
There were three main parties in the Sacred College, with cardinal-nephews of the deceased Popes as leaders:<ref name="VH">[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/gregor_xv_.html Vatican History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215400/http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/gregor_xv_.html |date=2007-09-27 }}</ref>


* Borghesian party – the faction of Cardinal Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. It grouped twenty nine cardinals created by this Pontiff.
* Borghesian party – the faction of Cardinal Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. It grouped twenty nine cardinals created by this Pontiff.
Line 39: Line 40:


It was generally thought that the next Pope would be the candidate chosen by Cardinal Borghese, because he was the most influential person in the Sacred College. He wanted to elect his friend Cardinal Campori, and already before opening the conclave he had obtained twenty four declarations in his favor. Although Campori had two significant opponents ([[Republic of Venice]] and Cardinal Orsini), Borghese was sure that he would be able to achieve his election on the first day of voting, by [[acclamation]].<ref name="VH"/>
It was generally thought that the next Pope would be the candidate chosen by Cardinal Borghese, because he was the most influential person in the Sacred College. He wanted to elect his friend Cardinal Campori, and already before opening the conclave he had obtained twenty four declarations in his favor. Although Campori had two significant opponents ([[Republic of Venice]] and Cardinal Orsini), Borghese was sure that he would be able to achieve his election on the first day of voting, by [[acclamation]].<ref name="VH"/>

Aldobrandini and Montalto, who formally were leaders of factions, were not able to play any significant role during conclave. Aldobrandini was gravely ill at that time and died a day after the election of new Pope. In these circumstances the actual leadership of anti-Borghesian cardinals fell to Alessandro Orsini, who was the main opponent of candidature of Campori.<ref name="The Triple Crown">[http://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/triple-crown-gregory-xv.htm The Triple Crown]</ref>


==The election of Pope Gregory XV==
==The election of Pope Gregory XV==
The conclave began in the evening of February 8. On the next day, Cardinal Borghese tried to elect Campori by acclamation, but failed because many of his friends defected and aligned themselves with Orsini, who had secured French support for his action against Campori. Facing such strong opposition, Campori withdrew his candidature.<ref name="VH"/><ref name="The Triple Crown"/>
The conclave began in the evening of February 8. On the next day, Cardinal Borghese tried to elect Campori by acclamation, but failed because many of his friends defected and aligned themselves with Orsini, who had secured French support for his action against Campori. Facing such strong opposition, Campori withdrew his candidature.<ref name="VH"/>


In the subsequent [[scrutiny]] (the only one during this conclave), the greatest number of votes received (fifteen) were for [[Jesuit]] Cardinal [[Robert Bellarmine]],<ref name="VH"/> but he had already declared in the [[Papal conclave, May 1605|previous conclave]] that he would not accept papal dignity in the case of his election. Now, at the age of 78, Bellarmine did not change his mind.<ref>[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/paul_v_.html Vatican History: Konklave 1605 (Paul V)]</ref>
In the subsequent [[scrutiny]] (the only one during this conclave), the greatest number of votes received (fifteen) were for [[Jesuit]] Cardinal [[Robert Bellarmine]],<ref name="VH"/> but he had already declared in the [[Papal conclave, May 1605|previous conclave]] that he would not accept papal dignity in the case of his election. Now, at the age of 78, Bellarmine did not change his mind.<ref>[http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/paul_v_.html Vatican History: Konklave 1605 (Paul V)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215243/http://www.vaticanhistory.de/vh/html/paul_v_.html |date=2007-09-27 }}</ref>


The rest of the day the most influential cardinals: Borghese, Orsini, Zapata, Capponi, d'Este and Medici, spent on looking for a compromise candidature.<ref name="VH"/> The election of Cardinal Bourbon del Monte was proposed, but Spain rejected him.<ref>[http://www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1588-ii.htm#Bourbon Cardinal Bourbon del Monte] (by S. Miranda)</ref> Finally, the leaders of factions agreed to elect aged and ill Cardinal '''Alessandro Ludovisi''' of Bologna, who seemed to have been ideal candidate for a temporary pontificate.
The rest of the day the most influential cardinals: Borghese, Orsini, Zapata, Capponi, d'Este and Medici, spent on looking for a compromise candidature.<ref name="VH"/> Finally, the leaders of factions agreed to elect aged and ill Cardinal '''Alessandro Ludovisi''' of Bologna, who seemed to have been the ideal candidate for a temporary pontificate.


On that same day, at about 11 o’clock in the evening, all the cardinals assembled in the [[Capella Paolina]] and by acclamation elected Alessandro Ludovisi to the papacy.<ref>[[Konrad Eubel]], HIERARCHIA CATHOLICA MEDII ET RECENTIORIS AEVI vol. IV, p. 15
On that same day, at about 11 o’clock in the evening, all the cardinals assembled in the [[Capella Paolina]] and by acclamation elected Alessandro Ludovisi to the papacy.<ref>[[Konrad Eubel]], HIERARCHIA CATHOLICA MEDII ET RECENTIORIS AEVI vol. IV, p. 15
</ref> He accepted his election and took the name of [[Gregory XV]]. Five days later he was [[papal coronation|crowned]] in the [[Vatican Basilica]] by [[protodeacon]] Andrea Montalto.<ref>[http://www.fiu.edu/~mirandas/bios1616.htm#Ludovisi Pope Gregory XV] (by S. Miranda)</ref>
</ref> He accepted his election and took the name of [[Gregory XV]].


==Legacy==
==Legacy==


Pope Gregory XV in his Bull ''[[Aeterni Patris Filius]]'' (November 15, 1621) prescribes that in the future only three modes of papal election are to be allowed: scrutiny, compromise, and quasi-inspiration. His Bull "Decet Romanum Pontificem" (March 12, 1622) contains a ceremonial which regulates these three modes of election in every detail. The ordinary mode of election was to be election by scrutiny, which required that the vote be secret, that each cardinal give his vote to only one candidate and that no one vote for himself. Most of the papal elections during the sixteenth century were influenced by political conditions and by party considerations in the College of Cardinals. By introducing secrecy of vote, Pope Gregory XV intended to abolish these abuses. The rules and ceremonies prescribed by Gregory XV were substantially the same until [[Pope John Paul II]] issued constitution "[[Universi Dominici Gregis]]" in 1996.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07004b.htm The Catholic Encyclopedia] (public domain)</ref>
Pope Gregory XV in his Bull ''[[Aeterni Patris Filius]]'' (November 15, 1621) prescribed that in the future only three modes of papal election were to be allowed: scrutiny, compromise, and quasi-inspiration. His Bull "Decet Romanum Pontificem" (March 12, 1622) contains a ceremonial that regulates these three modes of election in every detail. The ordinary mode of election was to be election by scrutiny, which required that the vote be secret, that each cardinal give his vote to only one candidate and that no one vote for himself. Most of the papal elections during the sixteenth century were influenced by political conditions and by party considerations in the College of Cardinals. By introducing secrecy of vote, Pope Gregory XV intended to abolish these abuses. The rules and ceremonies prescribed by Gregory XV were kept substantially the same until [[Pope John Paul II]] issued the constitution "[[Universi Dominici Gregis]]" in 1996.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07004b.htm The Catholic Encyclopedia] (public domain)</ref>


==References==
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==Sources==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
*[[Konrad Eubel]], HIERARCHIA CATHOLICA MEDII ET RECENTIORIS AEVI vol. I, 1913
*{{cite book|last1=Baumgartner|first1=Frederic J.|title=Behind Locked Doors|date=2003|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=0-312-29463-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/behindlockeddoor00fred}}
{{refend}}


{{Papal elections and conclaves from 1061|state=collapsed}}
{{Papal elections and conclaves from 1061|state=collapsed}}
{{Subject bar |portal1= Catholicism |portal2= Christianity |portal3= Vatican City |b=y|b-search=Biblical Studies/Christianity/Roman Catholicism/History
|commons=y|commons-search=Category:Papal conclave
|n=y|n-search=Category:Roman Catholic Church
|q=y|q-search=Category:Popes
|s=y|s-search=Category:Popes
|v=y|v-search=Category:Christian History
|wikt=y|wikt-search=Pope
|d=y}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Papal Conclave, 1621}}
[[Category:1621 in the Papal States]]
[[Category:1621 in the Papal States]]
[[Category:Papal conclaves|1621]]
[[Category:Papal conclaves|1621]]
[[Category:17th-century elections]]
[[Category:17th-century elections in Europe]]
[[Category:1621 in politics]]
[[Category:1621 in politics]]
[[Category:17th-century Roman Catholicism]]
[[Category:17th-century Catholicism]]
[[Category:1621 in Europe]]
[[Category:1621 in Europe]]
[[Category:Pope Gregory XV]]
[[Category:Pope Gregory XV]]

Latest revision as of 19:47, 15 January 2024

Papal conclave
February 1621
Dates and location
8–9 February 1621
Apostolic Palace, Papal States
Elected pope
Alessandro Ludovisi
Name taken: Gregory XV
1623 →

In the papal conclave held from 8 to 9 February 1621, Cardinal Alessandro Ludovisi was elected to succeed Paul V as pope. Ludovisi took the name Gregory XV. It was the shortest conclave in the seventeenth century.[1]

Death of Paul V[edit]

Pope Paul V died on January 28, 1621, in the 16th year of his pontificate. At the time of his death, there were seventy cardinals in the Sacred College, but only sixty nine were valid electors. Fifty one of them participated in the election of the new Pope.

Factions in the Sacred College[edit]

There were three main parties in the Sacred College, with cardinal-nephews of the deceased Popes as leaders:[2]

  • Borghesian party – the faction of Cardinal Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. It grouped twenty nine cardinals created by this Pontiff.
  • Clementine party – It grouped thirteen cardinals of Clement VIII. Formally their leader was Camerlengo Pietro Aldobrandini, nephew of Clement VIII.
  • Sixtine party – small party of Vice-Chancellor Alessandro Montalto, cardinal-nephew of Sixtus V. It grouped six cardinals.

Three cardinals of the Italian ruling families (d'Este, Medici and Sforza) were not counted among the members of these factions.

It was generally thought that the next Pope would be the candidate chosen by Cardinal Borghese, because he was the most influential person in the Sacred College. He wanted to elect his friend Cardinal Campori, and already before opening the conclave he had obtained twenty four declarations in his favor. Although Campori had two significant opponents (Republic of Venice and Cardinal Orsini), Borghese was sure that he would be able to achieve his election on the first day of voting, by acclamation.[2]

The election of Pope Gregory XV[edit]

The conclave began in the evening of February 8. On the next day, Cardinal Borghese tried to elect Campori by acclamation, but failed because many of his friends defected and aligned themselves with Orsini, who had secured French support for his action against Campori. Facing such strong opposition, Campori withdrew his candidature.[2]

In the subsequent scrutiny (the only one during this conclave), the greatest number of votes received (fifteen) were for Jesuit Cardinal Robert Bellarmine,[2] but he had already declared in the previous conclave that he would not accept papal dignity in the case of his election. Now, at the age of 78, Bellarmine did not change his mind.[3]

The rest of the day the most influential cardinals: Borghese, Orsini, Zapata, Capponi, d'Este and Medici, spent on looking for a compromise candidature.[2] Finally, the leaders of factions agreed to elect aged and ill Cardinal Alessandro Ludovisi of Bologna, who seemed to have been the ideal candidate for a temporary pontificate.

On that same day, at about 11 o’clock in the evening, all the cardinals assembled in the Capella Paolina and by acclamation elected Alessandro Ludovisi to the papacy.[4] He accepted his election and took the name of Gregory XV.

Legacy[edit]

Pope Gregory XV in his Bull Aeterni Patris Filius (November 15, 1621) prescribed that in the future only three modes of papal election were to be allowed: scrutiny, compromise, and quasi-inspiration. His Bull "Decet Romanum Pontificem" (March 12, 1622) contains a ceremonial that regulates these three modes of election in every detail. The ordinary mode of election was to be election by scrutiny, which required that the vote be secret, that each cardinal give his vote to only one candidate and that no one vote for himself. Most of the papal elections during the sixteenth century were influenced by political conditions and by party considerations in the College of Cardinals. By introducing secrecy of vote, Pope Gregory XV intended to abolish these abuses. The rules and ceremonies prescribed by Gregory XV were kept substantially the same until Pope John Paul II issued the constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" in 1996.[5]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Vatican History: Konklavechronologie Archived 2014-04-13 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ a b c d e Vatican History Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Vatican History: Konklave 1605 (Paul V) Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Konrad Eubel, HIERARCHIA CATHOLICA MEDII ET RECENTIORIS AEVI vol. IV, p. 15
  5. ^ The Catholic Encyclopedia (public domain)

References[edit]

  • Baumgartner, Frederic J. (2003). Behind Locked Doors. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 0-312-29463-8.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1621_papal_conclave&oldid=1195905977"