The Viability of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI Voting in Future Conclaves

The question of whether Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI would be eligible to vote in a future conclave has been a subject of discussion among theologians, canonists, and religious scholars. The simple answer is no, he would not. This essay explores the reasons behind this decision, the historical context of ex-popes in the conclave, and the potential implications for future papal transitions.

Historical Context and Current Status

Upon his resignation, Pope Benedict XVI relinquished his role as the Bishop of Rome and thus lost his status as a Cardinal Elector. This status is not reinstated, even in cases where ex-papal tenure is short-lived. For instance, ex-Pope Celestine V and ex-Pope Boniface VIII both ceased to be considered eligible for future conclave votes, mirroring Benedict XVI's current situation.

Following his resignation, Pope Benedict ceased to be a cardinal and became a bishop emeritus of Rome. He adopted the title of "pope emeritus," a title that is more of a linguistic curiosity than a canonical necessity. This title was initially a result of consultation with his advisers rather than a personal preference. Pope Benedict even indicated in an interview that he had planned to be simply addressed as "Father" and dress like a normal retired bishop, reflecting a desire to move beyond the papal title.

Age Limit for Voting in Conclave

The current rule stipulates that only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in a papal conclave. This rule is rooted in canon law and has been in place since 1970, with the most recent amendment occurring in 2013. Both Pope Benedict XVI (90 years old) and Pope Francis (80 years old) fall short of this requirement, rendering them ineligible for any future votes in a conclave.

When Pope Benedict retired, he did not participate in the conclave that elected Pope Francis as his successor. This precedent further solidifies the understanding that while past popes hold a significant place in the Church's history, they are no longer members of the electoral body for the college of cardinals.

Theoretical Possibilities and Future Considerations

Theoretically, the Pope could update canon laws or create new positions to include retired popes in the conclave process. However, such changes would require a remarkable shift in traditional practices and conventions within the Church. One possibility might involve updating the laws to explicitly include retired popes as electors, either with age limits or without. Another option might be to create a new position for retired popes, similar to the title of cardinal-bishop without doctrinal jurisdiction.

Alternatively, the Pope could disband the entire college of cardinals and establish a new form of electoral process. This could involve bringing in both clergy and lay members of the Church, or even utilizing a global ecclesial council to elect future popes. The choice is up to the Pope, but any such changes would challenge the established norms and require careful deliberation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is not currently eligible to vote in any future conclave due to his age and status. While the Church may theoretically consider changes to include past popes in future processes, the current precedence and historical context make it unlikely that such significant reforms will occur in the near future. This outcome reflects the enduring tradition of Papal succession and the role of the college of cardinals in the selection of the next Pope.