Source: Law & Liberty
by John O McGinnis
“Few elections command as much fascination as the secret conclave of cardinals gathering this week to choose the next pope. Catholics trust that the Holy Spirit guides this decision, yet the outcome still depends on carefully forged human rules. Chief among them is the centuries-old mandate that no candidate may be elected without winning the support of at least two-thirds of the electors. A mere majority does not suffice. The history and function of this rule are both intriguing and revealing. The dynamics of a papal election are not comprehensible without understanding the rule. It also illustrates important truths about supermajoritarianism, which has a prominent place in secular politics, particularly in America’s own Constitution.” (05/07/25)