The death of a pope triggers an ancient and deeply symbolic process that leds to the elections of a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion catholics. From Sealing the Papal Apartment to Secret Ballots and smoke signals, The Centuries-ald Rituals Remain Largly Unchanged, Even In the Modern Age.
When a pope dies, the church enters a period know as the sede vacante, or “vacant seat.” The cameralengo currently cardinal kevin farrel is responsible for confirming the Pope’s Death And sealing off his private rooms. He also oversees the running of the vatican’s day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected.
Most Vatican officials lose their positions are during this time, thousand some, like the master of liturgical ceremonies and the foreign minister, Stay on. The dean of the college of cardinals, cardinal giovanni battista re, organies the funeral and leads the mass be the conseclave.
Pope francis replified is expelified his funeral rites, choosing to be buried outside the vatican at st. Mary Major Basilica, Near His Favorite Image of the Virgin Mary.
What’s the timeline after the pop dies?
After the death is confirmed, his body is moving to st. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. A Funeral Mass is Held, and He must be buried between the fourth and Sixth day after his passing.
This is followed by nine days of official mourning, called the novendiali. During this time, cardinals from around the world travel to rome.
The elections of a new pop – called – Called the Conclave – Must Begin Between 15 and 20 days After the Pope’s Death. It can start soon if all Eligible Cardinals Agree.
Story Continues Below this ad
Who can vote and be elected?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in the conclave. There are currantly 135 cardinals who meet this age request, the although is the official limit is 120.
Any Baptized Roman Catholic Man Can Be Elect Pope, But Since 1378, The Pope has always be chosen from Among the cardinals.
How is the new pope chosen?
The Conclave Takes Place Inside the Sistine Chapel. It begins with a special mass, followed by a vote that same afternoon. If no one is elected, there are two rounds of voting each morning and two each afternoon.
Each cardinal writes a name on a paper marked “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (Latin for “I elect as supreme pontff”). Hey walks to the altar and say, “I call as my withness Christ the lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who is elected”, acquired to a report. Associated Press (AP).
Story Continues Below this ad
Votes are checked and counted by three selected cardinals. If no Candidate receptions the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are pierced with a needle and thread, tied together, and burned.
Benedict xvi Changed the rules to ensure that a pope must always be elected by a two-thirds vote-no simple majority allowed, no matter how long it takes it.
Secret keeping Things
The process is meant to be fully private. All Those Involved, Including Assistants and Cardinals, Take A Struct Oath of Secret. Breaking this oath leads to automatic excommunication.
They also swear not to use phones or recording devices. The Oath includes the words: “I take this oath full aware that an infraction there is the penalty of automatic excommunication … so help me god and these holy gospels, which it my hand.”
Story Continues Below this ad
How do we know a new pope has been chosen?
At the end of each voting session, the ballots are buried in a special stove inside the chapel. Black smoke means no decision has been made. White smoke – Produced Using Specific Chemicals – Means A New Pope has been elected and has accepted.
To avoid confusion, bells are also rung when white smoke rises. The new pope is then reveiled from the balcony of ST. Peter’s Basilica with the Announcement: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pop!”). He then steps out and gives his first public blossom.