Understanding the Papal Election Process
In the grandiose Capilla Sixtina, located within the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican, 135 cardinals eligible to vote and under the age of 80 will soon choose the successor to Pope Francis. Here’s a concise lexicon on this significant event:
The Ring of the Fisherman
The “Ring of the Fisherman” is a solid gold ring worn by all popes with their name engraved in Latin. Historically, it served to seal documents. Upon the death or resignation of a pope, the Vatican scratches the obverse side of the ring, which functions as a seal to prevent forgeries.
‘ANUNTIO VOBIS GAUDIUM MAGNUM: HABEMUS PAPAM!’:
“I announce to you with great joy: We have a pope!” is the Latin formula used by the cardinal protodiaconus to announce the election of the new supreme pontiff.
Key Locations and Figures
Basilica: The colossal Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the world, hosts the preceding mass before the conclave and is presided over by the cardinal dean.
Camerlengo: Until the election of the new pope, the camerlengo is temporarily the highest authority in the Vatican, though he must report his decisions to the college of cardinals. The current camerlengo is Irish Kevin Farrell.
Capilla Sixtina: The chamber where the conclave takes place is situated within the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican and renowned worldwide for Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes.
Key Roles and Titles
Cardinal Protodiaconus: He is responsible for publicly announcing the new pope’s name.
College of Cardinals: The college of cardinals or “Sacred College” brings together all the cardinals in the Catholic Church, regardless of their voting rights in the conclave.
Conclave: Derived from the Latin ‘cum clavis’ meaning “under key,” a conclave is the gathering of cardinals worldwide to elect a new pope. In 1970, Paul VI established the voting age limit at 80 years.
General Congregations: These are closed-door meetings preceding the conclave where cardinals discuss the next pope’s profile, among other matters.
Constitution Apostolica: In 1996, John Paul II promulgated the Apostolic Constitution ‘Universi Dominici gregis,’ detailing the entire process of electing a new pope, from Sede Vacante (the period when the Vatican is without a pope) to the proclamation of his successor.
‘Extra Omnes’ (“All Out”): The liturgical ceremonial master announces this formula to invite all non-participants of the conclave to leave the Capilla Sixtina.
The Voting Process
Cardinals vote using ballots, which are counted before being burned in a stove. If no one secures the required two-thirds majority, a chemical substance is added to darken the smoke emerging from the Capilla Sixtina’s chimney. Once a new pope is chosen, a different substance turns the smoke white to signal the selection to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Key Concepts
Orders: The Sacred College of Cardinals is divided into three orders: bishops, priests, and deacons.
Pope: The pope, bishop of Rome and successor to St. Peter, “is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity for both the bishops and the multitude of the faithful,” as per ‘Lumen gentium,’ one of the main texts from the Second Vatican Council. “Pope” comes from Greek and means “father.” Among other titles, the leader of the Catholic Church holds the title of Holy Father, Vicar of Christ, Successor of Peter, or Primate of Italy.
Papabili: The papabili (‘papable,’ in Italian) are the cardinals believed to have a higher chance of being elected pope.
Important Residences
Residence of Santa Marta: Since 2005, cardinals stay at this residence within the Vatican during the conclave. It was here that Pope Francis decided to settle.
Sala delle Lacrime: Immediately after accepting his new role, the pope isolates himself in a small adjacent room, the Sala delle Lacrime (Chamber of Tears), to process the enormity of his mission.
Sede Vacante: The period known as “Sede Vacante” begins with the pope’s death or resignation and concludes with the selection of his successor.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Ring of the Fisherman? It’s a gold ring worn by popes with their name engraved in Latin, used historically to seal documents. After a pope’s death or resignation, the Vatican scratches the ring to prevent forgeries.
- Who announces the new pope’s name? The cardinal protodiaconus publicly announces the new pope’s name using the Latin phrase ‘Anuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!’ which translates to ‘I announce to you with great joy: We have a pope!’
- What is the significance of the conclave? The conclave is a gathering of cardinals worldwide to elect a new pope. The term originates from the Latin ‘cum clavis,’ meaning “under key.”
- What happens during the General Congregations? These are closed-door meetings preceding the conclave where cardinals discuss various matters, including the profile of the next pope.
- What is the role of the camerlengo? The camerlengo is temporarily the highest authority in the Vatican until a new pope is elected. He reports his decisions to the college of cardinals.
- What is Sede Vacante? Sede Vacante, or the vacant seat period, begins with a pope’s death or resignation and ends with the election of his successor.
