The conclave to elect a new pope is set to begin on May 7. The election process is governed by the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis" and the "Ordo Rituum Conclavis." The "Ordo Rituum Conclavis" includes prayers in Latin with an Italian translation and emphasizes liturgical actions and prayer. The rites of the conclave begin with a public Mass for the election of the Roman pontiff. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will be the main celebrant of the Mass.
about 2 months ago
The election of a new pope is governed by two key documents: the apostolic constitution "Universi Dominici Gregis," which serves as the rule book, and the "Ordo Rituum Conclavis," the prayer book 1. "Universi Dominici Gregis" was issued by St. John Paul II in 1996 and amended by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 2013 1. The "Ordo Rituum Conclavis" was approved by St. John Paul II in 1998 but not released until after his death in 2005 1.
The conclave's rites commence with a public Mass "for the election of the Roman pontiff" 1. This Mass includes specific prayers for the selection of a pontiff acceptable in holiness and dedicated to serving God's people 1. Following the morning Mass, the cardinals gather in the Pauline Chapel before processing into the Sistine Chapel 1. The cardinals chant a litany of saints and invocations to Christ, followed by the "Veni, Creator Spiritus," an invocation of the Holy Spirit 1.
Cardinals must take an oath to faithfully observe the rules for electing a pope 1. They swear to uphold the Petrine ministry, defend the rights and freedom of the Holy See, and maintain absolute secrecy regarding the election proceedings 1. After the oath, all individuals not directly involved in the conclave are ordered to leave the Sistine Chapel with the pronouncement "Extra omnes" 1. A reflection on the cardinals' responsibilities is offered by a designated member before the voting commences 1.
The cardinals participate in multiple ballots each day, with a requirement of two-thirds of the votes needed to elect a new pope 1. Morning and evening prayers are recited daily, and Mass is concelebrated 1. Each cardinal affirms that his vote is for the most deserving candidate as he places his ballot in the urn 1. Ballots are burned after each voting session, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signaling a successful election 1.
Once a candidate reaches the two-thirds threshold, he is asked by the appropriate official if he accepts his canonical election as supreme pontiff and what name he wishes to be called 1. Upon acceptance, the elected man immediately becomes the Bishop of Rome, the true pope, and head of the college of bishops, acquiring full power over the universal church 1. The senior cardinal deacon then announces "Habemus papam" ("We have a pope") from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica 1.
The Church guides papal elections through law and prayer.
The election of a new Pope is indeed a solemn process guided by specific rules and prayers. Here's a breakdown of how a conclave works:
In summary, the conclave is a complex and solemn process, governed by detailed regulations and guided by prayer, aimed at electing a new Pope who will lead the Catholic Church .