by Anura Guruge
on June 23, 2022
So the issue here is what would happen IF there were to be a conclave with over 120 electors on deck AND Pope Francis had NOT overridden the 120 MAX limit with an edict.
The growing consensus, that I have reluctantly come to agree with, is that ALL the cardinal electors WILL be PERMITTED to participate in the conclave IRRESPECTIVE of the 120 limit stated by THE LAW. OK. This now seems to be a given.
But have a look at Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG) — above.
The 120 max limit & the 80-year cut-off for attendance are BOTH stated in the same clause, i.e., #33.
So, what folks are saying is that the 120 limit part of clause #33 can be (casually) overridden. OK?
Then what about the over-80 restriction?
In the same clause. We override one part not the other?
I am pretty certain that some cardinals, in particular those over 80, will question that!
That really would put a cat among the pigeons.
Letting ALL of Francis’ appointees attend, irrespective of the 120-limit, strengthens the chance that the Next Pope will have pro-Francis sentiments.
But, if ALL the over 80s are allowed to attend, the Francis camp will be overrun!
The supreme irony.
Canny Paul VI instituted the over-80 rule to make sure that HIS SUCCESSOR will be like him.
Now the converse can happen.
What FUN?
Think about it.