Still image
Papal Conclave
Picart, Bernard, 1673-1733
A series of six engravings depicting a conclave, the process by which Roman Catholic cardinals elect a new pope. The rules of the conclave, in which the cardinals are locked in seclusion, were established to prevent political interference and long delays. Food was delivered through a window; after three days, they only received one meal a day and after five days, only bread and water. Here the cardinals process into the conclave (top right), they celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit (Communion) (top left), they gather for the first general congregation (middle right), the cardinals cast their votes (middle left), people deliver food for the conclave (bottom right), people examine the food.
License
The online edition of this work in the public domain, i.e. not protected by copyright, has been produced by Pitts Theology Library.
Copyright status
NO COPYRIGHT - UNITED STATES
Freeto use