Longest papal election concludes after 1,006 days in Italy
- In Viterbo, Italy, a papal conclave was held that lasted for 1,006 days due to cardinal divisions over the election of a new pope.
- Citizen frustrations led to extreme measures, including restricting food and tearing off the palace roof where cardinals were held.
- The conclave concluded with Gregory X’s election and prompted new regulations to prevent future prolonged elections.
In the 13th century, Viterbo, a small town in Italy located north of Rome, witnessed a significant event in the history of papal elections. This event was marked by the prolonged and arduous conclave that lasted almost three years due to notable divisions among the cardinals related to their differing allegiances to the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. Various factors, including personal and family ties, contributed to the complexities surrounding the election process. As the unconventional period extended, the citizens of Viterbo, who bore the financial responsibility for the cardinals' living expenses, grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in electing a new pope. This prompted drastic measures to hasten the decision-making process, resulting in the cardinals being locked in Viterbo’s papal palace with a key, which led to the term 'conclave' being coined from the Latin words meaning 'with a key.' Furthermore, the conditions worsened when the locals restricted the cardinals' meals and ultimately began to tear off parts of the palace roof, exposing them to the elements to spur them towards a quicker resolution. This series of actions reflected the growing desperation to resolve the electoral stalemate, which contributed to an unprecedented election duration of 1,006 days. After 15 additional months of deliberation amidst these obstacles, Gregory X was finally elected as the next pope. This conclave was a pivotal moment in the evolution of papal elections, leading to the establishment of new regulations designed to streamline future voting processes. To prevent another prolonged election, Gregory X promulgated the apostolic constitution 'Ubi Periculum,' which laid down stringent rules for papal elections, emphasizing the need for isolation of the cardinals during the conclave. This legislation not only aimed to ensure timely decisions but also allowed the Cardinals to focus solely on the election of their leader. Additionally, Gregory X’s election was seen as a compromise intended to reunite the divided factions within the college of cardinals, marking a significant shift in how future conclaves would be conducted. Viterbo's medieval Palace of the Popes stands as a historical testament to this remarkable period, which is now cherished as part of the town’s heritage. The legacy of that conclave remains relevant, echoing in the practices established for the recent conclave held in Rome's Sistine Chapel to elect Pope Francis's successor, illustrating the long-lasting impacts of past events on contemporary governance within the church.