The Conclave:

Its History and Nature

Learn about the cardinalate — how its roots go back to ancient Jewish practice and how it later developed into a pivotal component of the Catholic hierarchy. Discover the roles of present-day cardinals which include advising the Roman pontiff, overseeing dioceses, and, above all, electing a pope. Understand the nature of a conclave and how it works. And learn about the qualities needed to be a pope, drawing on historical guidance from figures such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux.