But it is impossible for a Secretary of State to be elected Pope.

Not only is custom opposed to it, but human nature forbids it.

Never will the Cardinals in conclave assembled agree among one another to crown the man who has ruled them all during a reign.
Old Lambruschini had taken all his measures to secure his election.
There were very few Cardinals who had not promised him their voices, and yet it was Pius IX.

who ascended the throne.

The illustrious Consalvi, one of the great statesmen of our age, made the same attempt with as little success.