Every time the Catholic Church must choose a new Pope, the whole world turns its attention to the Vatican. The conclave is a deeply ritualistic process, steeped in symbolism, secrecy, and tradition. But since at EVoting we are passionate about the digitalization and innovation of democratic processes, we asked ourselves: what would happen if this highly traditional event went digital?
This May 7th marks the beginning of the election of a new Pope, and at EVoting, we imagined how digitalization could transform this sacred and traditional vote.
The first thing that comes to mind is the efficiency digitalization could bring to the process. Currently, a vote is held on the first day of the conclave, and if no candidate reaches the required two-thirds majority, voting continues day after day. Each day, the cardinals cast their votes by writing a candidate’s name by hand on a ballot. This process could be significantly streamlined with an electronic system that allows votes to be cast and counted instantly and securely, reducing the need for daily repetition and ensuring a faster outcome.
In the conclave, a cardinal is not allowed to vote for himself, as established by canon law, which requires each cardinal to write the name of another. However, the vote is secret, which means that although this prohibition exists, there is no foolproof mechanism to prevent it. This process could be optimized through digitalization, which could eliminate the possibility of self-voting while guaranteeing the confidentiality and integrity of the vote.
The secrecy of the vote is fundamental in the conclave, but there is a potential risk when writing by hand, as the handwriting of each cardinal could be recognizable. That’s why they are advised to write in the most unrecognizable handwriting possible. With digitalization, this would no longer depend on each elector’s handwriting, and this challenge could be solved using advanced cryptography, ensuring the vote is anonymous, secure, and confidential.
One of the great advantages of digitalization is that it could facilitate the participation of cardinals who cannot physically attend the conclave. Currently, those who are unable to travel to the Sistine Chapel are assisted by the infirmarii, who deliver the ballots to them so they can vote. With digitalization, this process could be handled more efficiently and securely, allowing cardinals with mobility issues to cast their votes remotely without compromising the secrecy or integrity of the electoral process.
It is worth noting that we fully understand the tradition, importance, and symbolism of holding the conclave the way it is currently done, but it is interesting to consider how a process of such magnitude could be digitalized. Moreover, it provides clear examples of how digitalization enhances efficiency, security, and transparency in democratic processes.