For University of Memphis students too young to remember the election of Karol Józef Wojtyla -- commonly known as Pope John Paul II -- on October 16, 1978, next Monday will provide an opportunity for Catholics and non-Catholics to catch a glimpse of papal history.
Cardinals from around the world congregated in Rome hours after the death of the 84-year-old Pontiff to mourn his death and later make plans for the election of the 264th successor to St. Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church.
Brenda Kindelan, campus minister at the Catholic Student Center, said she thinks the way young people followed the death of the Pope indicates that the coverage of the election will surely garner attention as well.
Since the last election in 1978, media have evolved especially with the prospering of the Internet and online news Web sites. This change in the way people are introduced to information may give students an easier way to follow the conclave and it's proceedings.
However, the election is a highly secretive process during which the hours and possibly days of the election media coverage may be a waiting game. White (a successful election) or black (unsuccessful) smoke will be the only means of communication from inside the Sistine Chapel, the site of the conclave.
"It's going to be different now because of the media," said Andrew Hulvey, sophomore psychology major.
No matter which way the camera is facing, the entire process is still a step back into Catholic history.
However, Gary Sculli a graduate student studying nursing, believes the Pope was a great man but shouldn't be held in the same regard as someone like Mother Teresa.
"I'm 40 years old and to me the Pope is someone who sits in a palace," he said.
Barring minor changes to the process, the election is the same as it has been for hundreds of years.
Electronic ballots can't replace the voting process in which Cardinals cast secret ballots and place them on an altar. News organizations will not proclaim a winner before the election is over. There will be no smear campaigns or campaigning at all.
The election process has been in its purest form since the beginning, and the secrecy surrounding it may attract that much more attention.
"It certainly can heighten the anticipation," said Father John Geaney. "In a sense it can be seen as a step back in time."
However the selection process of the new Pontiff has changed. In the past, the Pope was only chosen by unanimous vote, but it has since changed to two-thirds majority. One of the more surprising aspects is the way food is given to the Cardinals and other members of the conclave.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia on newadvent.org, "If after three days the cardinals did not arrive at a decision, they were to receive for the next five days only one dish at their noon and evening meals." If after five days there is still not a new Pope, they are to receive only bread, wine and water.
Although it may seem these measures are extreme, the odds of this happening are slim.
According to Father Geaney's prediction, this election should last only a few days.
Nonetheless, white smoke will decide the head of the Catholic Church and 1.1 billion Catholics.
