Pope Benedict Changes Rules for Electing New Pope

Pope Benedict xvi issued a legal document on Monday that changed the rules for the conclave that will elect the next pope. Historically, the Vatican has waited 15 days before beginning its election process. But Benedict is allowing the college of cardinals to hold its conclave earlier as long as all of its members are present in Rome.

The conclave’s start date is important because of the rapid approach of Easter. The Vatican begins its “Holy Week” ceremonies on March 24, and Easter Sunday falls on March 31. In order to have its new leader in place during these observances, the Catholic Church will need to install its new pope by March 17.

Without Benedict’s rule change, the conclave could not begin until March 15, resulting in a tight time frame for electing the next pope.

However, Benedict has not altered a rule that allows for the conclave to be delayed for up to 20 days if the Vatican deems it necessary.

Spokesman Thomas Rosica said the Vatican will not announce a date for the conclave until after March 1, which is when cardinals are due to arrive in Rome and begin preparing for the election.

Whether the conclave is rushed or delayed, watch for Benedict’s final decisions as pope to bolster conservative influence over the Catholic Church. Expect Benedict’s successor to be even more conservative. To learn more about the impact of the pope’s resignation, watch Gerald Flurry’s Key of David program from February 24, “Why Did the Pope Resign?”