As the Catholic Church begins the grave and difficult change following the death of Pope Francis, centuries-old rites and functions come into focus.
The operation, steeped in history and custom, involves a series of defined measures and practices.
How’s a guide to the important terms and responsibilities shaping the change.
Camerlengo
The camerlengo, or chancellor, is the saint responsible for fully confirming the pope’s dying, sealing his house, and administering the Vatican’s temporal commodities until a new pope is elected.
Irish-born American Cardinal Kevin Farrell now holds this position.
College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals, now composed of 252 people, takes demand during this interlude. Of them, 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in the synod. As per AP, 108 of these cardinal votes were appointed by Pope Francis.
Conclave
The conference, which had started within 20 days of a pope’s dying or departure, is a mysterious meeting of the saint electors held inside the Sistine Chapel. Its name, Latin for “with a key ”, reflects the history of sequestering the cardinal until a decision is reached. Only one of their individual may be chosen and a two-thirds lot is required.
Dean of the College of Cardinals
European Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the latest dean of the College of Cardinals, presides over the conference, provides vows, and announces the pope’s fatality to the Church. Upon vote, he asks the chosen bishop whether he accepts and what name he may take.
Domus Santa Marta
The cardinal stay at Domus Santa Marta, a Vatican hotel. Exceptionally, Pope Francis chose to live it throughout his church instead of the Apostolic Palace.
Extra meum
Once the Sistine Chapel doors close, the words “Extra meum” (Latin for “all out”) are spoken by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, asking everyone but the electors to leave so voting can begin.
Fisherman’s Ring
Each bishop receives the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolising his role as leader to St Peter, the “fisher of people. ” Again a pope dies, the band is never destroyed as before, but marked to avoid abuse.
General Congregations
The General Congregations are sessions of all cardinal before the conference to explain Church matters in privacy. However, the terms scrutineers, infirmarii, and revisers refer to cardinals chosen by lot to matter votes, help sick electors, and show ballots, both.
Habemus Papam
When a new pope is elected, the protodeacon, currently French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, announces “Habemus Papam” ( “We have a pope” ) from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Miserando displaying eligendo
Pope Francis’ own motto, “Miserando displaying eligendo” (Latin for “having had mercy and choosing him”), was derived from the homilies of St Bede and reflects his pastoral philosophy.
Rogito
The rogito is a written description of the dying pope’s career, placed in his tomb. His interment will not be at St Peter’s, but at St Mary Major—a withdrawal from history. In his will, Francis requested a simple monument near the image of Salus Populi Romani, which he held darling.
Sede vacante
The causa vacante, or “vacant chair, ” marks the time between blathers. During this time, the Church is governed by the laws in the Universi Dominici Gregis, a report issued by St John Paul II and afterwards amended by Pope Benedict XVI to keep the two-thirds lot law throughout election.
Black or white dust
Suddenly, the world learns of the results through either black or white dust rising from the Sistine Chapel stove. Black smoke signs no choice, while light smoke, and the ringing of bells, announces that a fresh pope has been chosen.
