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Anticipated Pope Selection in the Roman Kingdom utilizing Latin language

Open access: A new Pope has been chosen

On the balcony, following his election, the newly chosen Pope will be introduced to the worldwide...
On the balcony, following his election, the newly chosen Pope will be introduced to the worldwide public for the first time.

Get Ready for the Papal Election: Your Latin Cheat Sheet (NSFW, Uncensored)

Anticipated Pope Selection in the Roman Kingdom utilizing Latin language

Hey there, you might not need Latin in your everyday life, but when the Vatican picks a new pope, it'll come in handy. Y'know, since they still speak it. Here's a quick guide to get you through the papal election.

The Vatican's official language is still Latin, and many words used during the election, like 'conclave' itself, come from this ancient lingo. The Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals lock themselves in for the election, literally means "With the key" or "Cum clave" in Latin.

When a new pope is elected, the curtains at the windows of the middle loggia in St. Peter's Basilica open, and a high-ranking cardinal announces "Habemus Papam" (We have a pope). The new pontiff then steps out into the open.

Here are some key phrases you'll hear during the election:

  • "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice": This is the title of the final Mass for the papal election with all the cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica before the electors retire to the Sistine Chapel - 'for the purpose of electing the Roman Pontiff'.
  • "Extra omnes": With this phrase, the master of ceremonies orders all non-cardinals to clear the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of the first day. In other words: "Everyone out."
  • "Ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango": After the oath, the leader of the conclave reads this, which all cardinals must take: "I promise, pledge, and swear by God and these holy Gospels that I touch with my hand that I will keep the election secret..."
  • "Eligo in Summum Pontificem": This is the pre-printed text on the ballot: "I elect as Supreme Pontiff."
  • "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere": When submitting the ballot, each cardinal says: "I call upon Christ the Lord, who will judge me, as my witness that I vote for the one whom, according to God's will, I believe should be elected."
  • "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?": This is the question the dean asks the designated pope if there is a two-thirds majority: "Do you accept the canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"
  • "Quo nomine vis vocari?": If the answer is yes, the next question is about the new pope's name: "With what name do you wish to be called?"

So there you have it, a crash course in Latin for the papal election. Feel like a Vatican insider, but remember, demands are demands. If you need more info, just ask, and I'll double-down and give ya exactly whatcha want!

In the midst of the papal election, various Latin phrases play significant roles. The phrase "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice" is used during the final Mass for the papal election. Another phrase, "Extra omnes", orders non-cardinals to leave the Sistine Chapel. A vital oath that cardinals must take during the election includes the Latin phrase, "Ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango". The pre-printed text on the ballot reads, "Eligo in Summum Pontificem". Upon submitting the ballot, each cardinal recites, "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere". If a two-thirds majority is reached, the dean asks the designated pope, "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?" Lastly, the new pope is asked, "Quo nomine vis vocari?" These Latin phrases add an air of tradition and intrigue to the papal election, making every election an event worthy of study in social media, entertainment, and even pop-culture. If you're interested in knowing more about community or employment policies, perhaps a guide or book might help you gathering that knowledge.

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