Get the Vatican Lowdown: Latin Phrases to Know During the Papal Election
The Lesser Known Latin Guidelines for the Pope Selection Process
Craving some Latin knowledge? It could prove handy when the Vatican holds a conclave to vote for a new Pope. Even though the modern world rarely needs to understand Latin, it's still the formal language of the Catholic Church's state. Let's delve into a few key Latin phrases that permeate the entire papal election process.
Phrases to Familiarize Yourself With
"Conclave"Do you know what a conclave is? It's where the cardinals gather, at the Sistine Chapel, to elect a new pope. This term originates from the Latin phrase cum clave meaning "with a key." Back then, the chapel would be locked until the Pope was chosen.
"Extra omnes"When cardinals head into the Sistine Chapel, an official will say, "Extra omnes!" This phrase is Latin for "outside, everyone" or simply "all out." It signals for non-cardinals to leave the room, allowing the electors to vote privately.
"Habemus Papam"The climactic moment in the papal election takes place when a cardinal emerges on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and declares: "Habemus Papam!" This phrase means "We have a pope" in Latin.
More Background Insights
"Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice"This title refers to the final Mass held for the papal election in St. Peter's Basilica, during which all the cardinals gather before retiring to the Sistine Chapel to vote.
"Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro, Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia"The conclave leader reads the oath of secrecy to the cardinals, which includes the following statement: "I promise, vow, and swear it, so help me God and these holy Gospels that I touch with my hand."
"Quo nomine vis vocari?"Once a new Pope has been chosen, the appointed Pope-to-be answers this question: "By what name do you wish to be called?" This question concerns the name the Pope will take.
"I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"When the new Pope steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the Dean of the College of Cardinals exuberantly announces his arrival: "I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"
Read More
Wondering who might be the next Pope? Give these articles a read for a better understanding of the candidates and their political views:
- Conclave in the Vatican: Time for an African Pope?
- Search for the Successor to Francis: Papal Election - Who Stands for What? The Candidates at a Glance
- Papabili into the Conclave: Who Will Be the Next Pope?
- In the papal election process, the term "Conclave" originates from the Latin phrase, signifying the gathering of cardinals at the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, where the chapel was traditionally locked until a pope was chosen.
- Once cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel to vote, an official will say, "Extra omnes!", a Latin phrase meaning "outside, everyone" or simply "all out", indicating for non-cardinals to leave the room.
- The climactic moment in the papal election takes place when a cardinal emerges on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and declares, "Habemus Papam!", a Latin phrase meaning "We have a pope".
- During the process of the papal election, the conclave leader reads the oath of secrecy to the cardinals, which includes the Latin statement, "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro, Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia," which translates to "I promise, vow, and swear it, so help me God and these holy Gospels that I touch with my hand."
