Seven Questions on the General Chapter (5)

How is the Superior General elected?

Once the moral report of the Superior General that places his mandate in the hands of the Chapter is over, the first vote begins: if no one is elected, there are more votes, up to four per day.

The election is secret, and the ballots are not signed. No one votes for himself.

In order to be elected Superior General, two-thirds of the votes are required; the Superior General has to have made his final engagement in the Society, received the sacrament of Holy Orders, and be at least thirty years old.

The Chapter members can vote for a member of the Society who is not a part of the Chapter.

The President of the Chapter announces the election of the Superior General, who has eight canonical days to accept; his acceptance has to be in the presence of all the Chapter members.

If the priest who was elected refuses, the election starts over.

If he is not present in the Chapter room, the President of the Chapter summons him so that he can come accept in person before the Chapter, that is suspended until he arrives and accepts.

When the election is over, the Secretary General of the Society communicates the result to the Holy See, the SSPX houses, and the religious communities.

As soon as the new Superior General accepts, he comes into office. He makes the Profession of Faith and takes the Antimodernist Oath in the presence of the Chapter. Each member then promises him respect and obedience. At the end, all chant the Te Deum.

Coming next: The Election of the General Assistants