Unlike many of their predecessors, who suffered under austere conditions and were even imprisoned for so long that several of them perished, the cardinals choosing Pope Francis’s successor will have an easier experience.
These are a few significant papal elections throughout history.
The dove makes the decision.
The Christian community in Rome was discussing possible pope candidates in 236 when Fabian, a bystander, was struck in the head by a white dove.
“At this, everyone, as if moved by a single divine inspiration, eagerly and wholeheartedly called out that Fabian was worthy,” claims Church historian Eusebius.
Fabian, who was persecuted by Emperor Decius and died as a martyr 14 years later, received a mixed blessing.
