CHAP. I. Divers maners , wherein heretofore they have proceeded to the Election of the Popes .

THe maner of creating and choosing the Popes at Rome , hath bin divers , according to the diversitie of times .

Some will needes affirme , that at the beginning he that was present Pope , designed and ordained his successour : and that Saint Peter after this maner established Saint Clement , to governe and rule the Church after him . But that so resting without an other example , and not being followed afterwards , one can make no rule nor order of it , the same hauing taken no effect : because Saint Clement succeeded not Saint Peter , but Linus , and after him Cletus : and Saint Clement was but the third after Saint Peter : We likewise find it written , that Linus and Cletus were also chosen by Saint Peter ; not for successors , nor to be intentiue on prayer and preaching , neither to haue pontificall iurisdiction , but onelie for ayde and assistaunce in externall and temporall matters . And that Saint Clement woulde not embrace this establishment , so much in modestie , as by diuine inspiration , for feare lest the example of such a nomination should bee drawne to a custome in succeeding times , and that therby the power and authoritie of the Church might bee diminished in choosing or instituting of a Pastor : As also by the Canon of the Apostles 76. And by the Counsell of Antioch , Chap. 23. it is not lawfull for a Bishop , being at the point of death , to choose and appoint in his place a successour . By which , it may be gathered , that this custome was vsurped by some Bishops , of whome there are diuers examples . Certaine it is , that after Saint Clement , all the Popes were made and created by the voyce and suffragation of the Clergie and Christian people of the Cittie of Rome , and by the Bishoppes of other Prouinces that then were there . The which was obserued till the schisme that fell out betweene Damasus and Vrsicinus , about the yeare of our Lord , 369.

For Damasus being then chosen Pope , by one part of the people and Clergie , and Vrsicinus by another , and both of them supported by their fauorites : they both were desirous to hold and maintaine this dignitie , which caused great factions and sedition , and went so farre , that they came to hand-blowes : So that one day , there was an hundred seauen and thirtie dead bodies left in a Church ; for which cause , the Emperour afterward interposed his authoritie , in case of any such scisme hereafter ordaining him , whom he would haue to be Pope . And in this sort was Damascene established by the authoritie of the Emperour Vaelentinian . And not long after , there occurred the like diuision , betweene Eulalius and Bonifacius , and great sedition was raised within the Cittie of Rome vppon this occasion , and Symmachus the Gouernour not being able to appease or set downe anie order for the same , in the ende by the meere authoritie and power Imperiall of the Emperour Honorius , Boniface was made Pope . This dignitie hauing bene before , as it were sequestred for the time , by the Emperour , and committed to the Bishop of Spoleti , that then was during the feast of Easter . And so there grew then diuision betweene Symachus and Laurentius : the which king Theodorick , making knowne , in an assemblie helde at Rauenna , hee confirmed Symachus .

And afterwardes the cause of scisme ceasing , to preuent the tumult and disorder that might grow thervpon , the Emperour was alwaies wont in such elections to bee present . And it came to this point , that an election of the Pope , made by the people and Cleargie , was not auayleable , except it were ratified and confirmed by the Emperour : in that hee elected , durst not proceede to his consecration , without the Princes will and consent , vnto whom , for the right , and prerogatiue of confirmation , a certaine summe of money was giuen .

This maner of proceeding continued , while the daies of the Emperour Constantine , the 3 : who beeing mooued by the good and holie life of Pope Benedict , 2. which was in the yeare , 686. he sent vnto him a constitution , by which it was ordained & decreed , that whosoeuer afterwards shold be chosen , by the cleargie and people of Rome , he was incontinently to bee reputed for the true Vicar of Iesus Christ , without attending therein the authoritie of the Emperour of Constantinople , or of the Exacque of Italie , resident in Ravenna .

Afterwards in the yeare 773. Pope Hadrian the first , in the counsell of Lateran , wherin there was 153. Bishops assembled in the Church of Saint Sauiour in Rome , with their aduise and consent , gaue the power of electing and choosing pope to Charlemaine King of France , who was afterwards made Emperour , for driuing the Lombards out of Italie : But this continued no long time , because after that the Emperour Loys the debonaire Sonne to Charlemaine , released this royall prerogatiue , in the dayes of pope Paschall the first , and remysed vnto the Cleargie , and people of Rome , the full and free power of creating and electing of Popes , which continued and tooke place , for a long time after . But pope , Leo S. hauing bin maintained in the seate with armes , by the Emperour Otho the 1. in recompence of his benefit , and being offended with the in constancie & mutability of the people , he transferred all the authoritie of creating and making popes , vnto the person of the Emperour Otho the 1. about the yeare , 963.

Othos successors vsed this authoritie and priuiledge til the time of the Emperour Henry the 4. vnder whom pope Gregory the 7. called before Hildebrand : who was chosen in the yeare 1073. surrendred the same prerogatiue again , vnto the clergie , and people of Rome , and presently after , pope Paschall 2. hauing remised it into the handes of the Emperour , Henry 5. hee incontinently after reuoked the same againe .

In the yeare 1509. Pope Nicholas 2. in the counsell of Latran . 4. made a Decree touching the election of Popes , importing thus much : that first the Cardinall Bishops would treate amongst themselues of the election , conferring afterwardes with the other Cardinalles about the same , and so the election by them made , to be approoued and consented vnto by all the people , and cleargie of Rome , vsing these words : Vt Cardinalis Episcopi diligentissime simul de electione tractantes , mox Christi clericos Cardinales adhibeant : sicque reliquus clerus , & populus ad consensum nouae electionis accedat : And yet for all this , the Emperors would not afterwards giue vp this their right , and pretention , as we haue before declared . And then by little and little this prerogatiue came to the hands of so many Cardinalles onelie , as well those that were Bishops , as others , that were Priests and Deacons .

At last , Gregorie 1● , in the Counsell of Lyons , in the yeare 1274. instituted the manner of the Popes election , by the Cardinalles : which were all to bee shutte and enclosed in one place , called the Conclaue , in the towne where the precedent pope should depar : so that no body might goe in , nor come out , or conferre , by letters , messengers , or otherwise , with the same Cardinalles , while they had created a Pope , to whome they brought , and deliuered their ordinarie refection at a window : And if in the space of three dayes sithence their entrance , they had not agreed vppon an election , it is said , that for fiue daies after , they were to haue but onely one dishe at dinner , or supper : And after this , if they yet continued longer without making an election , they were to haue nothing giuen them , but bread , wine , and water , while they had chosen a Pope : After the decease of the pope , they were to deferre their session for 10. dayes , to expect , and attend for the absent Cardinalles , before they entred into the Conclaue : Although notwithstanding , entrance was not forbidden them , so they came afterward , the matter being yet entire , and not treated of . The same was confirmed by Pope Clement the 5 : who by his constitution forbad that such a forme should not be corrected , changed , nor altered by the Cardinalls in Sede Vacante , and that nothing might be added or taken from it , in any sort whatsoeuer : But by a Bull of Pope Clement the 6. there was some moderation , as wel for the forme of the Conclaue , wherin they were permitted to make separations , & to furnish celles for eache Cardinall , with tapistries onely , as for the meate they were to haue brought them . It remaineth therfore , that wee a little more particularlie touche the forme , and order , which is vsed at this day , in such an election , and all that which palseth , and is performed in the Conclaue .

CHAP. II. Of the forme , and order , which they vse and proceede in at this present , to the election of a Pope .

PResently after the Pope is departed , yea and euen when they see , or that they haue aduertisement from the Physitions that hee is at the last cast , the Cardinalls which are then in Rome , assemble together in the priuy Consistory , to consult for the gouernment of the towne , and to prouide for the affaires of the vacancie : & then the seate being vacant , they are apparelled in Coquests Rochettes , & Mozzettes without Copes , in signe of Iurisdiction , the people of the towne all in armes , guarde at the gates of the Cittie , the Cardinalls Pallaces , and in other quarters .

The day after the Cardinalles reassemble together in the same place , for the like effect , and to determine of such affaires as then occurre , as also to prouide , for the preparation & adopting of that which is necessarie for the holding of Conclaue .

Afterwards they carrie the corps of the deceased Pope ordinarilie into S. Peters Church , except the departed pope , made choice of his sepultur in some other place . Therto all the Cardinalles presentially assist , which are at the assemblie : the dead body is reuested with Pontifical ornaments , & laid vpon a bedstead in the Church , or some chapell of the same , where the people come & kisse his feete .

In the daies following , the Cardinalls solemnize the Popes obsequies : and there is a convention in the vestrie of Saint Peters , wherin the Princes Embassadors do vse to enter , making their remonstrations , & motions touching the Election to be performed . During the vacancie , the great Chamberlain gouerns Rome . But so ther is no expedition nor dispatch of any thing admitted in the Apostolicall Chancerie , while there be a new Pope . And in briefe , as soone as the Pope hath yeelded vp his breath , the Vice-chāceler taketh the Bulls or Seales , causeth them publiquely to be broken , rased out , & that side to be taken away of them , wheron the deceased Popes name was written , so that they cannot be sealed withall . And the other side wheron are grauen the heads of Saint Peter and Paule , they wrap within a linnen cloth , which he layeth vp in some casket , with his seale , & committeth them into the hands of the Chamberlaine . Whose office , together , with that of the Penitentiaries , continueth during the vacancy : And if they should chance to die , the Cardinalles might discharge the same , for the time onely of such a Vacancie .

Nine dayes after the Popes death , they celebrate the Masse of the Holy Ghost , and beeing finished with singing the Hymne , Veni sancte Spiritus , they enter into the Conclaue .

The Conclaue at Rome , is in a place ioyning to Saint Peters Churche , within the Popes Pallace , in Sixtus his Chapell , as bigge as a great Church , where is portraied the last Iudgement , and it was the excellent worke-manship of Michael Angelo : which chapell they set forth after the manner of a Domitorie in Convents , but that there are many great allies , and some more lesse , & narrower , and with the order of celles , or little cabinets , wherin the Cardinalls lie . To the which Conclaue , the chappell of Pauline , & the great Royall Hall abutt , and are adioyning , beeing as it were a part of the same . The gates , lower windows , and all accesses , are so mured , and closed vp , that one cannot talke , or communicate with any of those within .

When they are entred into the Conclaue , they assemble together in the chappell Pauline , where they consult of all things which concerns the gouernment of the Conclaue , & the same day , they take the oaths of the Officers , deputed for the guard of the Conclaue , as well of those without , as of them within .

At the beginning , after they are entred , the Conclaue remains open , for some little time , and then Princes Ambassadours vse to go in , and make their recommendations , and sollicitations in fauour of him , or them , whom they knowe to be best liked , and affected by their Princes .

After this , the Conclaue is shut , and then no man may any more goe in , nor communicate in any sort , with any one without , neither by letters , messengers , nor otherwise : nor likewise go out , till there be a new Pope created , except some Cardinall chaunce to arriue , who alwayes during the Conclaue , may haue free entrance .

And yet this is to be obserued , that all Cardinalls are not priuiledged to enter in , except they be Byshops , Priests , or Deacons , at the least , for Cardinals Subdeacons , haue no voice therin , nor are admitted any entrance : And yet we finde that the Cardinall of Austria , beeing but a Subdeacon , entred into the Conclaue of Sextus 5. by reason of a warrant or briefe that hee had from Gregorie . 13. by meanes of which , it was graunted him , and the which hee shewed and presented , when they would haue denyed his entrance .

Euery day the necessarie prouision is brought them , which they giue them in at a window , or by the wicket of the gate , before which there is treble garde , wherof the neerest to the gate , consistes of the Prelates that are in Rome , who looke that none may communicate with those that are inclosed in the Conclaue , and for this cause , they searche the Vessells and platters , to see whether there bee not any letters hidden in the same .

Euery Cardinal within the conclaue , can haue no more , but two men to serue him , whom they call Conclauistes .

The conclaue being closed , the day following the Deane of the Cardinalls after the celebrating of Masse , administreth the holie Communion to all the Cardinalles .

After this the Conclauistes assemble together , in the Chapell Pauline , before the maister of the Ceremonies , who taketh notice of them , and sees whether they do not execute their appointed number .

Also at the beginning the maister of the ceremonies reades the Bull of Pius 4. wherein it is expressed , that the Cardinalls entring into the Conclaue , should bee sworne .

Euery daye in Paules Chappell , one of the Cardinalls celebrates the Masse of the Holy Ghost , and so they proceede to the election of the Pope : which for the most part also is performed after two manners , one by Scrutinie , & the other by Adoration .

The scrutenie is held after this sort : euery Cardinall writes within a certaine billet of paper , his voice and choice , and at the end of Masse , he putteth it into the great challice of Gold , which standeth vpon the Altar : Then al the billets are powred forth vpon a little table , which for this purpose is set before the Altar : There are three of the Cardinalls , which in the sight , and presence of all the rest , vnfold these little rulles , or billets , pronouncing aloude his name , who hath subscribed to euery of them , and the Cardinalls write & set downe in a sheet of paper , the number of the voices which euery one hath , to know who hath most .

Where by the way we must note , that to choose , & create a Pope , there must concurre two thirds of al the Cardinals voices in the conclaue by the constitution of Pope Alexander , 3. set down in the Chap. Licet de vitanda de electione , in the Decretals : For if in such a scrutenie , ther is not any one , with whom the two thirds accur ; at the same instant they cast al the billets into the fire , & by this means the affaire is referred ouer to some other time , when they make and recommence an other scrutenie in the same forme : the which , by reason of this , vseth to be repeated & reiterated many times , while these two thirds occurre in one person . The which falls out very seldome , by way of scrutenie : so as they are vrged to haue recourse to adoration . Notwithstanding , the want of voices in scrutenie is sometimes supplied by the Accessi , so called : which is , when those that gaue their suffragation & voice by billet to some other , they now giue it to him whom they see to haue most voices , & sing these wordes ; Accedo ad Cardinalem talem : from whence that word of Accessi came . And to the ende that no fraud may be committed herein , he that giues his voice by such Accession , sayes ; Let them looke on my billet , which hath on the toppe such a deuise : And that by this , on may know that he had nominated an other : And this is for feare , least it should happen , that he which had giuen his voice by billet to one , might giue it again by this forme of Accesse to an other : which would be two voices in one mans person , instead of one .

The billets they vse , are made after his fashion : The Cardinall that giues his voice , takes a leafe of paper , folded into diuers plightes , and vpon the last he writes his owne name : and in the two first , he causeth the Cardinalls name to whom he will giue his voice to be written by his Conclauise , in this maner : Ego Eligo in summum pontisicem Reuerendiss . Dominum meum Cardinalem . N. Afterwards they choose the billet at both endes : vpon which they also set some deuise at the Cardinalls pleasure , that without vnfolding the same , it may bee known , by the external deuise .

There is yet an other kind of scrutenie , which they call open , or apertis vocibus , which is , when the Cardinalls being assembled together , declare aloude him , whom they choose .

The other maner , which is Adoration : is , when the Cardinalles being assembled together in the Chappell , turne towardes him , whom they desire to be made Pope , doing reuerence vnto him , and bending the knees very lowe , and when they see that the two thirds are gone to this maner of Adoration , The Cardinall thus adored , is made Pope .

And though this maner of Election , be referred to that which is called by the auncients , and in the cannon law , per inspirationem , and that they say , it is the way of the holy Ghost , which was , when all with one voice without any treatie , or precedent scruteny , and without any formalitie , concurre , as it were by diuine inspiration , to say , that such a one must bee made Pope , it being thus equally designed by euery one .

Notwithstanding this forme of Adoration is not esteemed by many , so lawfull , and auaileable as scrutenie : because by meanes of contentions , and partialities , there may be some fraude or violence committed therein , in that the weaker side may be drawne to Adoration by the example of those more mightie , and those fearful , induced by them more resolute . And oftentimes it hapneth , that those who would haue consented to the Election of some one , by free voice , seeing this generall and violent concurrance in Adoration , they suffer themselues to be caried away with the violence of this streame . That by this they may demonstrate , how they haue a part in such an Election , and they will not bee the last herein , for feare of displeasing and incurring his displeasure who should be chosen .

All this is performed in Paules Chappell , in the ordained place , for the Popes Election . Ther was heretofore a third manner of the Popes Election , by forme of comprimise : & this was , when all the Cardinalls vppon some amongst them , to whom they wholy referred themselues , for the choosing and Electing of him , whom they should iudge most capable : but this fashion , though it be one of the three manners of Election approued of in the Chap: Quia propter , de Electione , in the Decretalls , is more vsed at Rome : wherof some giue this reason , because this power of nominating a Pope after the death of Alexander the 5. being giuen to Baltasar Cossa , then Cardinall of S. Eustachio , hee made himselfe Pope , saying : Ego sum papa . And he was called Iohn , the 23.

CHAP. III. What is obserued , when the Elestion is performed , and after .

WHen the two thirds of the voices concur in one person , be it by scrutenie secret , or open , by meanes of Accesse , or by way of Adoration , he out of doubt is truly Pope . Notwithstanding the other Cardinalls also , vse to giue their consent thereunto . And then the chiefe Cardinal Bishop , all the other being set , pronounceth , and declareth in the name of all the Colledge , that he chooseth such an one for Pope . And demandeth of him how he is affected , and willing to vndertake the same , which he hauing declared , and accepting of the Election , all rise vp to gratifie him : and at the same instant , putting on his Rochet , they cause him to sit downe in a prepared seate , which is placed before the table , neere the Altar , they giue him the fishers ring , & cause him to deliuer and make knowne , by what name he wil be called .

This forme of changing name , was brought in , receiued and vsed , since the time of Pope Iohn the 12. who was chosen in the yeare , 155 : he being before called Octauian : yet diuers ascribe this institution to Pope Sergius , 2. who was in the yeare , 844.

Hauing therfore declared what name he wil take vpon him , he vseth to subscribe to the constitutions , which had bene agreed vppon , and sworne vnto , by all the Cardinalls , before the election , & to signe certaine supplications , and requests .

In the mean while , the chiefest of the Cardinal Deacons , opening a little windowe , from whence the people which attend , may see , and be seene , he shewes forth a Crosse , pronouncing these words , with a loud voice ; Annuncio vobis gandium magnum : Papam habemus . Reuerendiss . Cardinalis E●orētinus electus est in summum Pontificem , & elegit sibi nomen , Leo 2.

This being done , he is disvested of his common garments , which belong to the clearks of the Ceremonies , and revested with all the habits Pontificall , and causing him to sit vpon the Aultar , all the Cardinalls a rowe doe him reuerence , in kissing his feete , hands , and mouth .

During this entercourse of Ceremonie , all the gates of the Conclaue are opened , the barres , and walls which closed and mured the passages , gates , and windows , are broken down , & ouerthrowen : & the Souldiers entering confusedly , as it were by force , take & pill whatsoeuer they meete withal in their way . And this is the reason , that when any one is declared Pope , the Conclauistes do all they can , to ramasse , & lay close vp , and get together , all the best things that belong to their Cardinall : And in in like maner the people vse to rush into his house that is chosen , & to pillage the same .

At the same time , the newe Pope is carryed into Saint Peters Churche , followed with the Channons and Singing men of the same Churche , which sing ; Ecce Sacerdos Magnus ?

And after hee hath prostrated himselfe on the earth , and made his prayer , hee is placed vpon the great & high Pontificall Chayre , where , Te Deum laudamus is said : There againe before the holy assemblie , & multitude of people , which come thither in great preasse , hee is adored by the Cardinalls , Bishops , Prelates , and others . And then hee giueth generall Absolution , and his Benediction to euery one , with much Solemnitie , & Ceremonies ; which graunt full Indulgence : and incontinently after he is carryed into Saint Peters Pallace , highly reuerenced by euery one , and whereof hee receiues such contentment , as euery one may easilie iudge .

Some daies after , with great Pomp , and Magnificence , the new Pope is solemnely Crowned , in an eminent place , which is before the Porche of Saint Peters , vpon a scaffolde , richly adorned and set forth , and there is put vpon his head , the Hara , or triple Crowne , called Regnum .

Sigisbert , and Aimoinus write , that this crowne being enriched with many precious stones , and other beautifull ornaments , and being sent to Clouis King of France , by the Emperour Anastace , Clouis sent it againe , for a present and gift , to the Church of Saint Peters in Rome .

This Crowne is set on the Popes head , by the chiefest of the Cardinall Deacons , to whom this office is appropriate , and then many other notable Ceremonies are performed : and amongst others , some putting fire to towe , cryeth out aloude : Pater sancte , sic transit gloria Mundi ; Omnis caro saevum , & omnis gloria eius sicut flos agri . From thence hee goes on Procession to Saint Iohn Laterans , accompanied with all the Cardinalls , and Prelates which are in Rome , with all his Officers , and with manie others , Lordes and Gentlemen , and this Procession is on horsebacke , after the manner of a magnificent entrie , with great Pomp and Solemnitie : the Order , Forme , and Magnificence whereof , would bee to long here to represent . At the ende of this Procession , the Pope vseth to feast all the Cardinalls .

There is an other thing about Consecration , which is performed , when the chosen Pope , had not before bene consecrated Byshop , in which case there are also many other Solemnities vsed , about this Consecration .

The election of Pope Leo the 11. placed at this present in the Cathedrall seate . With a list of such Cardinals as were there , and assisted at this solemnitie , and of all the rest that haue place in Rome Conclaue .

POpe Clement the 8. called before Hippolitus Aldobrandin , Cardinall of Saint Pancrace , & great Penetentiarie , was after the decease of Innocent the ninth chosen Pope , the thirtie day of Ianuarie , 1592. He held the seate for the space of thirteene yeeres , one Moneth , and fiue dayes . A father verie memorable , and recommendable for his great piety , deuotion , and charity , with other high and rare vertues , as also for his singular prudence in the management of affaires : He departed the third day of March about ten a clock at night .

After his decease , all ceremonies and solemnities requisite in such a case , as well for his buriall , as others , were obserued , with many assemblies , and congregations in the vsuall places .

The Conclaue was so prepared , that there was no Celles in Sixtus the fourth his Chappell , as before there was woont to bee : but all the Celles and Chambrets were addressed and prepared in the greatest part of Saint Peters Pallace : That is to say , in the first , second , and third hall , within the hall of the Consistorie , Leonine , and Gregorian , and in the most of the chambers of the Pallace .

The Cardinals entred into the Conclaue , the fourteenth of the same Moneth of March , and there was of them to the number of three-score and one . The Scrutenie was diuerse times set on foote , and many Cardinals propounded . And amongst others , my Lord Cardinall Baronius , who at the beginning had thirtie voices , and in the daies following , they amounted to the number of seuen or eight and thirtie , which was not yet a sufficient number to make the two thirds : although it was a thing which he no wayes contended after , but on the contrarie estranged himselfe from it as much as might be , doing whatsoeuer hee could to hinder this proceeding . There was also some others propounded , against whom , exclusions and oppositions were made : But the first day of Aprill , when they came to mention my Lord Cardinall of Florence , there was presently such a concurrence , & consent on all parts , that without making any scruple or doubt in the matter , they being in Paules Chappell , the place ordained for such elections euery one ran to adoration , and it was begun by my Lord Cardinall of Ioyeuse .

And at so great a promptitude , alacritie , and harmonie of all willes , that we neede not to doubt but it was a verie diuine inspiration : euen they themselues , who ( as was supposed ) would haue beene some obstacle , and that had attempted and made shew of some such matter , concurring therein with their full consent , because there was no bodie , that would either heare or adheere vnto them . And thus the same day , being the first of Aprill , about seuen a clocke in the dawning , my Lord Cardinall of Florence , or de Medices , was chosen Pope , and tooke vpon him the name of Leo the eleuenth .

SInce the publishing of this Relation , newes is come by diuerse letters of the death of this Leo : and of an other Election in hand : who ( as it is supposed ) was made away by poyson : but because there is yet no vndoubted certaintie of the same , I would bee loath to publish any priuate aduertisements , or to set that for infallible truth , which is onely grounded vpon surmises : wherefore it will bee better to attend some further aduertisement , when I wil be readie ( curteous Reader ) to acquaint thee withall . In the meane while be satisfied with this which hath beene deliuered by an eye witnesse .