Popes rationalised culpability

Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI were incompetent theologians even though they had doctoral degrees in theology.

Both popes stated that individuals who attempted to obtain information during the conclave to elect their successor were excommunicated. Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict did not want the Catholic population to know the cardinals’ deliberations during the conclave or thereafter. So these academic popes employed the threat of excommunication.

Popes John Paul and Benedict ignored the spiritual fact that excommunications can only be used with those individuals who reject infallible theological doctrines pertaining to Christian faith and morals. Nothing else! Popes and bishops have used excommunication to preserve their power. See the trial of Joan of Arc.