VITERBO, Italy (AP) – The Viterbo conclave of the 13th century marked a significant turning point in papal elections and introduced the term "conclave," stemming from the Latin words “cum” (with) and “clavem” (key). This event, which began in November 1268 and concluded in September 1271, stands as the longest papal election in the history of the Catholic Church, lasting an astonishing 1,006 days. The lengthy deliberation was primarily due to deep divisions among the cardinals regarding the identity of the successor to the late Pope Clement IV.
During the Viterbo conclave, the cardinals were divided into competing factions that hindered their ability to reach a consensus. Many were aligned with either the papacy or the Holy Roman Empire, with personal and familial ties further complicating negotiations. The resulting frustration among the local citizens, who had to accommodate and finance the cardinals' living expenses, contributed to extreme measures taken to expedite the election process.
The initial actions included locking the cardinals inside the papal palace in Viterbo. As frustration boiled over, local citizens took drastic steps to ensure a quicker resolution. In what can be seen as an early form of pressure tactics, the cardinals were restricted to basic sustenance—bread and water. In a more extreme measure, a portion of the palace’s roof was dismantled, exposing the cardinals to the elements. Such actions were designed to incite urgency among the cardinals to reach a decision. This period of confinement lasted three weeks before the cardinals were granted access to other areas of the palace, though they were still denied permission to leave. Ultimately, it took an additional 15 months for Gregory X to be elected as the new pope.
To address the prolonged duration of the conclave and prevent a recurrence, Pope Gregory X established the apostolic constitution known as "Ubi Periculum," introducing strict regulations governing the election process. This constitution allowed for the isolation of the cardinals to ensure a more efficient election. Gregory's selection was perceived as a compromise to unite the divided factions within the college of cardinals.
Historians regard the Viterbo conclave as instrumental in shaping the procedures observed in contemporary papal elections. The regulations formed during this period laid the groundwork for modern conclave practices. Among the changes instituted by Gregory X were restrictions on meals, initially limiting cardinals to one meal per day, which was later changed to bread, water, and wine to further expedite the decision-making process. Although these stringent rules were later suspended by Pope Adrian V, their effects on the electoral process were profound.
Local residents of Viterbo take immense pride in the historical significance of the conclave. Fabrizio Cardoni, a lifelong resident, emphasizes the importance of preserving the medieval neighborhood and the Palace of the Popes, viewing it as a unique treasure of the city’s heritage. Visitors like Cristina Giusio express awe at discovering that such a historically impactful event originated in Viterbo, further enhancing the city's cultural allure.
Experts in Vatican history maintain that the legacy of the Viterbo conclave continues to influence modern papal elections. Notably, recent conclaves have adhered to much shorter durations, a direct result of the lessons learned from the lengthy deliberations in Viterbo. As anticipation mounts for the forthcoming conclave set to begin in Rome’s Sistine Chapel, which will select Pope Francis' successor, the historical context established during the Viterbo conclave remains relevant and noteworthy.
