Conclave is formed from the Latin words for "with key," referring to how cardinals are sequestered to elect a pope – inside the Vatican, today; but wherever a pope died, in the Middle Ages.
Once free from Byzantine and Holy Roman imperial controls, from the end of the 11th century forward, a medieval pope held powers far superior to the ones a pope holds today.
Originally, in early Christianity, the pope had been nominated by the 'people of Rome' agreeing by consensus. In reality, that meant the election was in the hands of mobs, aristocrats, kings, emperors or anyone with any form of control over Rome.
The election was a cantankerous affair, marred by violence and external interference, as powerful people could often appoint whoever they chose.
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