Rituals for the Death and Election of the Roman Pontiff (Pope)

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and processes involved in the death of a Pope and the election of a new one.

Pescatorio

Ring of the Fisherman

Sede Vacante

"Vacant See"

Inter Regnum

"Between Reigns" (averaged 17 days in the 20th Century)

General Congregation

Handle Serious matters – Start on first day after death – Headed by the Cardinal Camerlengo

Camerlengo (Chamberlain)

Calls out the Pope’s baptismal name three times to confirm death

Camerlengo

Charged with destroying the symbols of the Papacy

Carmerlengo

Seals the Pope’s quarters in the Apostolic Palace

Death of the Pope

Vatican flags fly at half-staff, bronze doors of St. Peter’s are closed

Novemdiali

Mourning Period

Funeral Mass

Presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals; Book of Gospels placed open over casket; White silk veil is placed over the Pope’s face moments before the casket is closed

Qualifications to be Pope

Cardinals can elect any baptized Catholic male to the papacy

Conclave

Means “with key” because the Sistine Chapel is sealed.

Cardinal-Electors

All Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote

Emphasis on Secrecy

The cardinals are still forbidden to listen to the radio, watch television, read newspapers or speak on the telephone; and now, they may not communicate on Internet

Solemn Mass

Symbolism can be tied to Spirit moving over the Waters of Chaos in Genesis as Creation took place…a new creation.

Secret ballot

Each Cardinal writes the name of a candidate (usually a fellow Cardinal) on a slip of paper

How to elect a new pope

Two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

Smoke Signals

White smoke indicates a successful election, while black smoke indicates that no decision has been reached.

The next Pope

Pope is taken to the Room of Tears where 3 robes await. He chooses the one that fits him best

Announcement of the New Pope

Goes to window of St. Peter’s and we hear the words “Habemus Papam” – “We have a Pope.”

First Blessing

Says "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world)