A change in popes, through death or resignation, is a complex process, involving centuries-old rituals for the transition of leadership in the Catholic Church and the Vatican.
Here are some important terms, including Latin phrases, to help understand the news in the upcoming days:
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Who is the Vatican camerlengo?
This is the cardinal responsible for verifying the pope’s death, sealing his room and study, and administering the Holy See’s assets until a new pope is elected. The current camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born American.
Who is in the College of Cardinals?
The College of Cardinals consists of 252 cardinals worldwide, with 135 of them being “cardinal electors” who gather in the Vatican to elect a new pope. The majority of electors (108) were appointed by Pope Francis.
What is the conclave?
The conclave is a closed-door meeting of cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new pope. It must begin within 20 days of the current pope’s death or resignation, and the electors are secluded until a new pope is elected.
Who is the dean of the College of Cardinals?
The current dean is Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who informs the cardinals and ambassadors of the pope’s death, convenes the conclave, and presides over the election process.
What is the Domus Santa Marta?
The Domus Santa Marta is a Vatican guesthouse where cardinals stay during a conclave. Pope Francis chose to live there instead of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.
What does ‘extra omnes’ mean?
‘Extra omnes’ is a Latin phrase meaning “all out,” used to ask everyone except the cardinal electors to leave the Sistine Chapel during the conclave voting process.
Why is the pope’s ring called the fisherman’s ring?
The pope’s ring, known as the fisherman’s ring, symbolizes St. Peter being a “fisher of men.” It is annulled after the pope’s death to prevent its use as a seal.
What are the General Congregations?
The General Congregations are meetings of all cardinals to discuss church affairs before the conclave. They also prepare for the election in secrecy.
What does ‘Habemus Papam’ mean?
‘Habemus Papam’ is a Latin phrase meaning “We have a pope,” announced by the protodeacon after a new pope is elected.
Who are the infirmarii?
The infirmarii are three cardinals responsible for collecting ballots from ill electors during the conclave.
What does Pope Francis’ motto ‘miserando atque eligendo’ mean?
Pope Francis’ motto means “having had mercy and choosing him,” reflecting his call to serve.
Who are the revisers?
The revisers are three cardinals who review the ballots during the conclave.
What is a rogito?
A rogito is a document listing key details of the pope’s life and papacy, placed in his coffin.
Who are the scrutineers?
The scrutineers are three cardinals who review and tally the votes during the conclave.
What does ‘sede vacante’ mean?
‘Sede vacante’ is Latin for “vacant seat,” referring to the period between the pope’s death or resignation and the election of a new pope.
What is St. Mary Major?
St. Mary Major is the basilica where Pope Francis chose to be buried, breaking tradition by not being buried in the Vatican.
What does the text ‘Universi Dominici Gregis’ contain?
‘Universi Dominici Gregis’ is the Vatican constitution regulating the papal election process.
What does white or black smoke mean during a papal transition?
White smoke indicates a new pope has been elected, while black smoke signals no decision has been reached. Bells also ring to announce a new pope.
Published – April 22, 2025 01:39 pm IST
