Can a dove determine the fate of the next spiritual leader of a billion people? What conclave begins with the strike of a silver gavel on the head of an illustrious corpse? In what global election does absolute silence reign... while many suspect the Holy Spirit has already chosen?
That Wasn't in My Conclave History Book delves into the most tightly woven, symbolic, and perplexing mechanism of the Catholic Church: the election of the Pope of Rome. Priest and Vatican expert Mateo González Alonso combines history, chronicle, and unique details to reveal what is rarely seen during a papal succession process: cardinals entering with checked luggage, jokes about hot dogs before lunch, votes whispered beneath Michelangelo's frescoes, and ushers urging on stragglers before locking the doors.

Halfway between earthly power and a faith that transcends the visible, the conclave is a sacred ceremony that has barely changed since the 13th century, even though today the cassocks are passed through anti-spy scanners and the rules are updated. And yet, it remains an act of faith. Even with intrigues, tacit agreements, and candidacies disguised as humility, there is always room for the unexpected. Like that day when a cardinal forgot to prepare his speech… and ended up greeting the world as the successor of Saint Peter.
Among rings, secret vows, prayers, and corridors, more than just spiritual leadership is decided. The pulse of an institution that endures, transforms, and still surprises is measured. There, not only is a person chosen… a mystery is enacted.