A Handy Guide to Cracking the Papal Election Code: Decoding Latin Terms
Simple Latin Phrase for Papal Election Process
In the imminent days, some latent Latin knowledge might be crucial. The Vatican still communicates in this ancient tongue, being the official language of the Catholic Church's state. Various words, like "conclave" (cum clave, "with the key," i.e., locked in), have Latin origins and pepper the entire papal election process.
Savvy the Latin lingo and make life a tad easier during a papal election! Here's a simplified guide for navigating the classical language involved in the sacred event.
The Final Act:The last Mass before the cardinals bushwhack to the Sistine Chapel to elect the Roman Pontiff is christened "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice."
Time for 'Everyone Out':When the master of ceremonies wants to claim the Sistine Chapel for the cardinals alone, he issues the command "Extra omnes."
The Smoke, The Oath, and the Ballot:Latin plays an essential role in the voting process. The conclave leader reads the oath of secrecy, which each cardinal takes individually: "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango."
Each cardinal writes his chosen candidate's name below the pre-printed "Eligo in Summum Pontificem." Upon casting their ballot, each cardinal swears, calling Christ as a witness to their choice: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere."
The Question and Answer:If the dean is elected, he is asked "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?", and if the answer is affirmative, he is then queried, "Quo nomine vis vocari?"
The Announcement:Upon the elected pope's confirmation, he is asked "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" and subsequently inquired about his desired papal name. The triumphant news is then proclaimed to the masses: "I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!" Followed by a formal introduction: "His Eminence, the Most Reverend Lord (First Name), Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church (Last Name), who has taken for himself the name (Papal Name)."
These traditional phrases enhance the formality and historical allure of the papal election process.
[1] "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" - ntv.de, sba/dpa[2] "Habemus Papam" - ntv.de, sba/dpa
- The voting process within the conclave involves Latin, with each cardinal writing their chosen candidate's name below the pre-printed, "Eligo in Summum Pontificem."
- Upon casting their ballot, each cardinal swears an oath in Latin, calling Christ as a witness to their choice: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere."
- If the dean is elected, he is asked in Latin, "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?", and if the answer is affirmative, he is then queried, "Quo nomine vis vocari?"
- The triumphant news of a new pope is announced in Latin, "Habemus Papam!" followed by a formal introduction on social-media platforms and entertainment outlets, signaling the community and employment policy of the Catholic Church.
