Amid ongoing concerns about the health of the 87-year-old Pope, a prominent progressive supporter of Francis has suggested making changes to the rules governing conclaves in order to slow down the election of the next pope, and guard against the possibility that well-timed leaks or other forms of interference might influence the outcome.
Specifically, veteran Italian church historian Alberto Melloni has proposed that there be only one ballot a day during the time the cardinals are gathered in the Sistine Chapel to select a new pope, with each ballot day followed by a day of pause for conversation and reflection.
