The surprisingly effective medieval security of a papal election
This week, Catholic Church cardinals are convening the first
meetings in the shadowy process that will select the next pope.
It's been widely reported that the church is looking to move
quickly in replacing Benedict XVI -- who will now take on the
title emeritus pope (seriously) -- in order to have a new pope
in place by the Easter holidays. With Palm Sunday rapidly
approaching on March 24, the next few weeks are going to be busy
for Vatican-watchers assigned to read the tea leaves of the
upcoming papal conclave.  With mandated vows of silence and the
near-total isolation of voting cardinals, the conclave
stubbornly retains a degree of secrecy that is proudly out of
step with today's emphasis on transparency. The cardinals will
huddle behind closed doors, casting ballot after ballot until
they reach the two-thirds majority necessary to select God's new
representative on earth.  If it all sounds a little outdated ...
well, it is. And given the e