Papal Election Research Guide

This guide lists and describes sources for researching the law of papal elections.

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Selected Books on the History of Papal Elections

 

  • Tobin, Greg, Selecting the Pope: Uncovering the Mysteries of Papal Elections, 2009.
     
  • Pham, John-Peter, Heirs of the Fisherman: Behind the Scenes of Papal Death and Succession, 2004.
    Print version also available.
    This book offers six chapters that cover the modern development of the papal conclave. In addition, the appendices provide the papal documents that have led to the current procedures.
     
  • Baumgartner, Frederic J., Behind Locked Doors: A History of the Papal Elections. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.
    5th Floor, BX1805 .B324 2004
    This is a reference guide to every papal election up till the death of Pope John Paul II. Baumgartner fills the book with useful information, such as the fact that using white smoke to indicate selection of a pope is a relatively recent (1914) development.
     
  • Allen, John L., Conclave: The Politics, Personalities, and Process of the Next Papal Election. 2002
    Available from Lauinger Library. Georgetown University community may log in and request via our catalog.
     
  • Walsh, Michael, The Conclave: A Sometimes Secret and Occasionally Bloody History of Papal Elections. Lanham, MD, Sheed & Ward, 2003.
    Print available at Lauinger Library