The Second Lateran Council of 1139 stripped the approval of
the regular clergy and the laity from the papal approval process.
Perhaps it is time for another adjustment.
How can we stop the continuing modernity, under the current
system ? Electors retiring at 80 (Paul VI), assures those appointed
as Cardinals in the Vatican II system are capable of self-promotion.
Does anyone know exactly when the parishes of Rome were
sent in titular form to sees abroad, so that non-Roman bishops
first became electors for the Bishop of Rome ?
The
Papal Election Decree (1059) of Pope Nicholas II
insists that the pastoral clergy of Rome is to be the well from which
the new Pontiff is drawn, and the approval of Rome's laity is
required. He decreed, that ONLY if no good candidate may be
found in Rome, should the electors seek elsewhere.