As during the previous conclave there were three large fractions:

Philip II of Spain's (1556-1598) high-handed interference at the previous conclave was not forgotten: he had barred all but seven cardinals.

In 1676, Pope-elect Innocent XI made the College swear to the capitulation that had been drafted by the previous conclave before accepting his election.

While two of the previous three conclaves had lasted three days or less, the 1922 conclave lasted for five days.

The bull was prompted by rampant betting during previous conclaves.

In previous conclaves, the cardinals stayed in temporary quarters in the Apostolic Palace, sleeping in divided rooms and sharing bathrooms.

The electors will also be free to roam the Vatican, which was not the case in previous conclaves.

Only three of those have taken part in a previous conclave, and many do not know each other.

As at the previous conclave, they would swear to observe the norms prescribed by John Paul II's apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

The conclave occurred in circumstances different from those of any previous conclave.