Amidamaru said:
Blackmagik said:
WTF are you serious
Yep.
Most traditions are very symbolic. We Catholics have most of the rites we have from VERY old customs. All we have now is to prevent government infiltration or influence, a clear decision, and a good Pope. After the 9 days of mourning, the Cardinals are to pray for 6 days and on the 6th they'll start the Conclave. Actually, a long time ago, they were locked inside, to sleep on cots, and cum clave "locked with a key" is the root of Conclave.
They burn their votes on a challice, or however you write it, if a Pope isn't elected, they'll add a chemical to make the smoke black. And when he is elected, the ballots are burned and natural white smoke will go up.
These traditions are to avoid what happened in the Church's beginnings, when 3 Popes reigned at the same time, once. Also the corrupt Popes, that sought what the government sought. Dunno, I love my traditions...
Also, the elected is thought to have to be a man that dominates around 12 languages, and has knowledge of biochemistry and other scientific disciplines. It's about time to end the Science vs Church debacle.
Also, the elected has to accept, and change his name as an obligation. And, if you have a End of Days mind, which I don't, you'll find that according to Saint Malachi (
http://www.angelfire.com/ms/seanie/papacy/malachy.html) the next Pope shall be the antepenultimate before the last Pope ever... but I don't believe so, even though his predictions have been accurate.