The a sometimes secret and occasionally bloody history of papal elections Walsh, Michael J. creator text bibliography mdu Lanham, MD Sheed & Ward 2003 monographic eng

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ix, 180 p. 24 cm. "In 1271, with the papal throne vacant for over two years, local officials locked the cardinals of the Catholic Church in a room, forcing them to select a new pope. From this inauspicious beginning arose the practice of the conclave, the highly secretive combination of rituals and politics designed to select a new leader for the world's Catholic population." "In The Conclave, Catholic historian Michael Walsh takes readers through the history of conclaves past, highlighting the vendettas, feuds, and political intrigues that have colored the selection of a new pontiff. An entertaining history of the secret deliberations, colorful stones, and even bloody events that surround the making and unmaking of popes, The Conclave is a great story, a great history and an important work for anyone interested in the papacy."--BOOK JACKET. In times of persecution -- The end of empire -- Descent into chaos -- Attempting reform -- The invention of the conclave -- Princely pontiffs -- The great powers take a hand -- Modern times -- Afterword : how to spot a pope -- Appendix : chronological list of the popes. Michael Walsh. Includes bibliographical references (p. [179]-180). Popes Election History BX1805 .W34 2003 262.135 W223c 158051135X (cloth : alk. paper) 9781580511353 (cloth : alk. paper) 2003010012 DLC 130829 20160527191542.0 322928