The ballot itself, introduced by Pope Gregory XV in 1621 is cloaked in secrecy to avoid the politicking that occurs behind closed doors. The recent award-winning movie, Conclave, depicts the pervasive intrigue around “the ancient rituals of the Catholic Church”. Even cardinals quibble and squabble as it happens within the walls of politics. Once they decide on a two-third majority, a white cloud will declare the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The chosen cardinal will drop his given name, as did Jorge Mario Bergoglio, to become Francis VI. What will be the new name of the next pope?
For centuries popes simply used their baptismal name upon election, until a priest was elected in 533 and his name was Mercurius. That pagan name did not sit well for his post, so he selected a new name, John Paul II, after a previous pope who shared his vision and values. Since then, popes have chosen names after admired and emulated predecessors. Among the favourites are: John 23 popes, Gregory 16, Benedict 16, Clement 14, Innocent 13, Leo 13, and Pius 12.
Any name will do, except Peter. Peter is reserved for St Peter the Apostle, first name of the Roman Catholic Church.
Jesus appointed Peter. He changed his name from Simon to Peter (meaning rock, Cephas in Aramaic), and to him he said: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church”. Jesus also handed him “the keys of the kingdom”, as a symbol of his spiritual power, often depicted in popular culture as the gatekeeper of heaven.
Thus, Peter became the first and longest-serving pope, (32-67AD) in history.
How is it that the first Roman pope never lived in Rome?
There is in fact no New Testament evidence, nor any historical proof of any kind that Peter was ever in Rome. Peter spent most of his ministry in Jerusalem and Antioch. The idea of Peter as the first pope is a later invention designed to legitimise the Roman Church’s authority. The evidence of the post of bishops only appeared by mid second century. Even church elders reflect in Paul’s teachings that Linus not Peter was the first recognised bishop of Rome (67-76AD). There has never been another pope named Linus either.
According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside down during a persecution of the Christians during the mid-60s, AD. Some scholars accept the premise that Rome is the location of Peter’s martyrdom, during the reign of emperor Nero. It is said that he is buried on Vatican Hill, close to the site of his martyrdom. In 1939, what were believed to be Peter’s bones were found under the altar of the basilica dedicated to him. Pope Paul VI (1963-78) solemnly confirmed the site of the burial in 1968.
So be it. The first pope was Peter, lived in Rome for 34 years and his bones are buried in Rome, according to archaeological explorations of the 20th century, (1939-1949).
Why Rome, not Jerusalem? Jesus was crucified there and Peter lived there amongst the apostles.
There was turmoil and persecutions in Jerusalem in 70 AD; it was completely impossible to build a church there until 130 AD. Even though the scriptures talk of the New Jerusalem and never of the church, many evangelists wonder how they ended up in Rome.
It was politically advantageous to establish Rome, the status of the capital of the Roman Empire as the centre of Christianity.
A challenge to the see of Rome occurred for 200 years, (254-440), after the fall of the Roman Empire and the transfer of the Imperial capital to Constantinople. It was inspired by St Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, an early Christian writer of Berber descent, recognised as a saint by both Eastern and Western churches. He died in 258 and Rome finally prevailed.
In 313 AD, Roman emperor Constantine the Great ended all persecution and declared toleration for Christianity. Constantine himself was converted to Christianity on his deathbed in 337 AD.
Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire largely inspired by the apostle Paul, himself a Roman. The religion led the world today with 2.4 billion followers, half of them are Catholics, 1.3 billion, the rest are Protestants and other sects.
Catholics believe this is a plan of God that Rome, as its historic status and magnificent churches, is perfectly situated as the capital of the Church.
Here we are in Rome, wondering if the pope will be yet another Italian. The stronghold of Italy is legendary, except for a scattering of foreigners. John Paul II was the first non-Italian in 455 years, came from Poland; Benedict XVl from Germany and the first non-European is the late Francis VI from South America.
Of the 266 popes, 83 of them have been proclaimed saints — the last being the beloved John Paul II, beatified on 1 May 2011 and canonised along with John XXII by the late Pope Francis on 27 April 2014.
How will the Conclave last? It could have happened on the same day, but not likely. It took only two days for the late Pope Francis who was elected on the fifth ballot.
We look forward to the white smoke outside the window of the Sistine Chapel.
We await a new name, a new pope — rejoice.
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
John Paul II (1920-2005)
* A version of this article appears in print in the 8 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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