Papal elections: #TheHolySpiritStrikesAgain

Never knew this story.

On the first ballot, 20 December, 1334, many electors, intending to sound the mind of the conclave, voted for the unlikely Cardinal Fournier, who, though he was one of the few men of real merit in the college, was but lightly regarded because of his obscure origin and lack of wealth and following. He amazed the conclave by receiving the necessary two-thirds vote. On 8 January, 1335, he was enthroned as Benedict XII.

In other words: “Lets see who everyone ELSE is voting for. I’ll vote for Cardinal Fournier, cause NOBODY would vote for him.” Except EVERYONE thought that.

#TheHolySpiritStrikesAgain