Ever since Pope Alexander Ill's decree of 1179, the College of Cardinals has alone had the power to choose new popes. Vatican Council II, however, reasserted the authority of all bishops whether cardinals or notin helping to govern the church. In 1973 and 1974 Pope Paul VI broadly hinted he might go further and admit a few ordinary bishops to the conclave that elects a pope. But last week, when Paulfrail but vigorous at age 78released the rules for choosing his successor, the cardinals-only tradition survived intact.
The decree reaffirmed Paul's ban on conclave voting by cardinals who have reached age 80....
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