Universi Dominici Gregis

Universi Dominici Gregis is an Apostolic Constitution of Pope John Paul II. The Constitution of 22 February 1996 establishes procedures during the period of vacancy and the conclave laid. My full title is Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of His Holiness Pope John Paul II on the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Pope of Rome. John Paul II summed together with the constitution of the previously valid regulations regarding the election of the pope and altered them in some points.

Important changes from previous rules:

• The choice of method by acclamation seu inspirationem ( by acclamation, ie general public approval ) and by compromissum (through the transfer of choice on a smaller body ) are abolished. The Pope is determined from now on solely by scrutinium ( by secret ballot ).
• For a valid choice a two-thirds majority is required. If, after 30 or 33 rounds - depending on the time of the first round - no decision has been made, the Cardinals can specify a different selection mode, in which then only the absolute majority is required. This point was Pope Benedict XVI. undone in his published in June 2007 Motu proprio De aliquibus mutationibus in normis de electione Romanized Pontificis, thus a two-thirds majority is in all the ballots again required, but nurmehr run-off elections will be held after 30 or 33 ballot.
• The announcement of the newly elected pope by white smoke is no longer mentioned. Whether this is found in force as folkloric characters in future papal elections still use, was initially unclear, but was applied again in 2005 and 2013.
• The maximum number of cardinal electors (who have 80 years of age not yet completed the day before the start of the period of vacancy, see No. 33 ) must not exceed 120 continues. However, John Paul II has deviated from this rule twice and increased the number temporarily to each 135

The title Universi Dominici Gregis is formed from the first words of the Latin version of the Constitution, the relevant passage reads in German translation " [ shepherd ] the entire flock of the Lord."