Sign in
Middle AgesIdeas & Belief

Third Lateran Council sets the two-thirds rule

1179Notable

Under Alexander III, the council decrees that a pope must be elected by two thirds of the cardinals. The rule, meant to prevent disputed elections, still governs conclaves.

Community notes

Loading notes…

Learn more ranked by votes

BookFrederic J. Baumgartner
Behind Locked Doors: A History of the Papal Elections ↗
Editor's pick
VideoSearch on YouTube
Third Lateran Council 1179 ↗
Editor's pick
VideoSearch on YouTube
Two thirds majority papal election history ↗
Editor's pick