The Longest Conclave in History: Patience, Death, and Divine Providence

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In the life of the Catholic Church, few events are as mysterious and crucial as the Conclave – the solemn assembly of cardinals to elect a new Pope. Among all recorded conclaves, one stands out for its exceptional duration, human drama, and above all, for the profound spiritual lessons it left behind: the Conclave of Viterbo (1268-1271), the longest in history, lasting two years, nine months and two days.

This event is not merely a historical curiosity, but a mirror in which we can examine ourselves today – in an era marked by haste, polarization and lack of discernment. What does this conclave teach us about patience, trust in God, and the true meaning of spiritual leadership?

I. Historical Context: A Church in Crisis

To understand the significance of this event, we must transport ourselves to the 13th century. Europe was embroiled in power struggles between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire. The death of Pope Clement IV (1268) left the Church in a vacuum of authority, at a time when factions within the College of Cardinals were deeply divided.

The cardinals assembled in Viterbo (Italy) could not reach the required two-thirds majority to elect a successor. Tensions ran so high that not even the mediation of St. Bonaventure, who was present in the city, could achieve consensus.

The Desperate Measure: Forced Confinement

The citizens of Viterbo, exasperated by the delay, took radical action: they locked the cardinals under key (Latin “cum clave”, hence the word “conclave”) and reduced their food rations to pressure them. Yet even this did not hasten the election.

Finally, the podestà (city governor) Raniero Gatti ordered the roof to be removed from the palace where they were housed, exposing them to the elements. Only after nearly three years did the cardinals elect Gregory X – a man who wasn’t even a cardinal, but whose virtue and ability to unite were undeniable.

Did Cardinals Die During the Longest Conclave in History?

1. Mortality Among Electors
   • Of the 20 cardinals who began the conclave, at least three died during the nearly three-year proceedings.
   • The causes aren’t entirely clear, but are attributed to:
     • Advanced age (many cardinals were elderly)
     • Harsh confinement conditions (cold, lack of hygiene, reduced rations after the roof removal)
     • Stress and internal divisions that weakened their health
2. A Shocking Fact: A Murdered Cardinal?
   • Historical tradition (not documented but repeated in medieval chronicles) suggests Cardinal Ottobono Fieschi (later Adrian V) may have been poisoned by rival factions.
   • What’s certain is that after his 1276 election (in another conclave), he reigned only 39 days, fueling conspiracy theories.
3. Divine Intervention: Punishment or Purification?
   • Contemporaries saw these deaths as God’s judgment on the cardinals’ obstinacy.
   • St. Bonaventure, present in Viterbo, warned: “Division among you brings disorder, and disorder brings death.”

Theological Reflection: Why Did God Permit This?

1. Lesson in Humility
   • The death of several electors showed that ecclesiastical power is not a human game but sacred service. As Scripture says:“Whoever wishes to be first shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
2. The Church Survives Its Crises
   • Though cardinals died, the Holy Spirit preserved the Church through the election of reformer Pope Gregory X.
3. Application Today
   • In our lives, “deaths” (failures, losses) can be God’s instruments to redirect us. Do you cling to your will or trust Providence?

II. Theological Significance: Why Did It Take So Long?

From a theological perspective, this conclave teaches three fundamental truths:

1. Papal Election Is Not Human Act But Work of Holy Spirit
   The Church isn’t a democracy where votes are negotiated. As Christ told Peter:“You are Peter [Rock], and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
   The Holy Spirit guides cardinals but acts in His time, not ours. Human impatience can hinder the process.
2. Purification Comes Through Waiting
   God permits long, difficult trials to purify His Church. The Viterbo conclave was a spiritual exodus where cardinals had to abandon personal interests to hear God’s voice.
3. Humility Is Essential in Leadership
   Gregory X didn’t seek the papacy; he was elected precisely because he wasn’t entangled in power struggles. His humility made him suitable.

III. Lessons for Our Spiritual Life

How to apply these teachings daily?

1. Learn to Wait on God
   We live in an instant culture, but faith requires patience. If you’re in a dry or uncertain period, remember: God has perfect timing.
2. Abandon Divisions
   Viterbo’s cardinals were divided by political loyalties. Today Catholics quarrel over liturgical preferences or ideological stances. Unity in essentials is crucial.
3. Trust Providence
   Gregory X wasn’t a “logical” candidate, but God chose him. Sometimes solutions come from least expected places.

IV. Reforms From This Conclave

Gregory X established strict conclave rules at the Second Council of Lyon (1274):

• Complete isolation of cardinals
• Reduced rations if election prolonged
• Secret ballot to avoid external pressure

These rules essentially remain in force today.

Conclusion: What Does This Conclave Tell Us in the 21st Century?

The deaths at Viterbo weren’t vain: they led to reforms ensuring efficient, spiritual conclaves today. As Catholics, let’s remember:

• Impatience has consequences
• God writes straight with crooked lines

The longest conclave wasn’t failure but faith’s victory over impatience. In a speed-idolizing world, the Church reminds us: holiness cannot be rushed.

If you face difficult decisions, waiting periods or community divisions today, remember Viterbo: God acts when man submits to His will. As St. Paul wrote:

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)

Next time God seems to delay, ask yourself: Am I ready for His answer? For as at Viterbo, the best often comes… when least expected.