Conclave Capitulation

A conclave capitulation is a capitulation drawn up by the College of Cardinals during a papal conclave, attempting to constrain the actions of the Pope elected by the conclave. Generally, all cardinals would swear to uphold it if elected Pope, and the capitulation would be finished before the first scrutiny (ballot). Capitulations were part and parcel of a strategy of the College of Cardinals to limit papal supremacy and to "make the Church an oligarchy instead of a monarchy."