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SPECIAL ISSUE
How a New Pope Is Chosen THE TIME-HONORED TRADITIONS OF PAPAL ELECTIONS Christopher M. Bellitto, PhD
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bout 2,000 years ago, Jesus told Peter he was the rock on which Jesus would build his Church and instructed Peter to tend his sheep. Since Peter, the Catholic Church has been led by more than 260 men we call pope. How were these men selected? How will the next pope be chosen? How has the papal election process changed over time? This special issue of Catholic Update walks the reader through the various rituals involved in the resignation or death and burial of a pope and the process of electing a new one.
PAPAL CONCLAVE, APRIL 2013 / SHUTTERSTOCK