Dive into the Vatican Chatter: Breaking Down the Latinate Papal Election Terms
The Small Latina Option for the Papal Vote
In the intriguing spectacle of a papal election, knowing a tad bit of Latin could prove useful. That's because, despite being a modern world, the Vatican still uses the ancient language, making it the Church's State's official tongue.
Are you feeling lost among all the smokes and ballots? Let's demystify the Latin jargon used during this significant process.
Gather the Cardinals for the Pontiff Selection
"Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice"
This is the title of the Mass held for the election of the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica before the cardinals withdraw to the Sistine Chapel. In other words, it means "for the purpose of electing the Roman Pontiff."
Usher Out the Non-Cardinals
"Extra omnes"
When the master of ceremonies commands this phrase, non-cardinals are to vacate the Sistine Chapel. In layman's terms, it translates to "Everyone out." After that, the electors take matters into their own hands.
The Oath of Secrecy
"Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango"
The leader of the conclave reads the oath of secrecy that each cardinal must take. One by one, they pledge: "And I promise, pledge, and swear it, so help me God and these holy Gospels that I touch with my hand."
Select the New Pope
"Eligo in Summum Pontificem"
This appears on the ballot each cardinal uses to cast their vote. It means, "I elect as Supreme Pontiff." The cardinals write the name of their preferred candidate beneath this phrase.
Asserting the New Pope's Election
"Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere"
Each cardinal says this when submitting their ballot: "I call upon Christ, the Lord, who will judge me, to witness that I give my vote to the one whom, according to my judgment, ought to be elected by God."
Confirmation of the Election
"Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?"
The dean puts this question to the designated pope if he has been elected with a two-thirds majority: "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?" If the dean himself is selected, his substitute poses the question.
Announcing the New Pope
"Quo nomine vis vocari?"
The next question is about the new pope's name: "By what name do you wish to be called?"
The Official Announcement
"I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"
Once the new pontiff is elected, the public is informed: "I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"
Presenting the New Pope
"The Most Eminent and Reverend Lord, Lord (First Name) of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal (Last Name), who has taken for himself the name (Papal Name)"
After a thunderous applause, the new Pope is revealed to the world: "His Eminence, the Most Reverend Lord (First Name), Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church (Last Name), who has taken for himself the name (elected Papal Name)."
A Few Interesting Facts
- Conclave: Both the secluded location and the assembly of cardinals are called "conclave." The term originates from the Latin words cum (with) and clavis (key).
- Sede Vacante: Refers to the vacant position of the Pope between his death or resignation and the election of the new pontiff. Meaning "vacant seat."
- Habemus Papam: Announced by the protodeacon from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony, this means "We have a pope."
- Universi Dominici Gregis: This term describes the Vatican constitution that governs the papal election process from the pope’s death until the selection of his successor. Meaning "the Lord’s whole flock."
- A comprehensive understanding of the Vatican's community policy and papal election terminology requires knowledge of Latin, as it's the official language of the Church's State.
- Prior to the cardinals' move to the Sistine Chapel, they attend the Mass titled "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice," meaning "for the purpose of electing the Roman Pontiff."
- During the papal election process, the master of ceremonies directs the non-cardinals to leave the Sistine Chapel with the command "Extra omnes," which translates to "Everyone out."
- The oath of secrecy, said by each cardinal, is significant during the election - they pledge, "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango," promising to keep the election proceedings confidential under God and the Holy Gospels they touch with their hand.
- Cardinals use the ballot that reads "Eligo in Summum Pontificem," meaning "I elect as Supreme Pontiff," to cast their vote for the new Pope.
- Upon submission of their ballot, cardinals assure their vote by saying "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere," meaning "I call upon Christ, the Lord, who will judge me, to witness that I give my vote to the one whom, according to my judgment, ought to be elected by God."
