Every time the white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, the Catholic world contains breath. That moment – almost cinematographic – points out that the cardinals have reached a consensus and have chosen a new Pope.
1. Confirmation of the result and acceptance of the elected Pope
The Dean Cardinal or the oldest of the Episcopal Order approaches the chosen one and formulates the ritual question: “Do you accept your canonic choice as the high pontiff?” If the Cardinal Elected responds affirmatively, he is asked what his papal name will be. From that moment, he formally becomes the new Pope, although he has not yet been presented to the world.
2. The Pope retires to the Hall of Tears
Then, the new Pontiff is accompanied to the call Tears (either Stanza del Pianto), A room adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. There he dresses for the first time with the Papal White Sotana. The Chamber receives its name for the emotions that usually overflow those who have just been chosen.
3. Cardinal Protodiácono makes the official announcement
Meanwhile, San Pedro Square is filled with expectant faithful. Shortly after, Cardinal Protodiácono (in this case, will be the oldest cardinal of the diaconal order) appears on the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro and pronounces the famous Latin formula in Latin:
“Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus Papam.” (“I announce great joy: we have dad”). Then announces the name of baptism and the pontifical name of the new church leader.
4. The first appearance of the Pope and the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”
The new Pope then looks out to the balcony and greets the crowd. It usually offers brief words, improvised or prepared, and concludes by teaching the apostolic blessing Urbi et Orbi (“To the city [de Roma] and to the world ”), which grants plenary indulgence to those who receive it.
5. Preparations for the Pontified Start Mass
In the following days, the Solemn Mass of the start of the Pontificate is organized, which is usually held in the Plaza San Pedro. It is not a coronation, since from Paul I saw the potatoes do not use tiara. Instead, the new Pontiff receives the pallium and fisherman’s ring, symbols of his pastoral authority.
By rn
