I am not a religious christian, but for decades – especially since reading David Yallop’s book, THE POWER AND THE GLORY and Dan Brown’s novel, ANGELS AND DEMONS – I have been intrigued by the Catholic Church, for a church steeped in a 2000-year-old tradition, one of the most fascinating Catholic events is the death of a Pope.
When a Pope dies, the world literally stops for a while and the major networks cease their originally scheduled programming for hours, if not days.
Incidentally the last time a sitting Pope died was on 2 April 2005, which means that many have never witnessed the traditions and ceremonies that surround the death and funeral of a Pope. With the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at the age of 88, I decided to explore this.
When a Pope dies, the entire country, the Vatican City falls into an eerie silence. Bells toll somberly across Rome and the great bronze bell of St. Peter’s Basilica sounds its heavy, sorrowful note. And within the thick, ancient walls of the Apostolic Palace, an ancient and sacred ritual begins — one unseen by the public.
The first thing that happens is that a Cardinal, known as the Camerlengo is summoned. It is the Camerlengo that pronounces the Pope dead, he announces his death to the world, and he administers the Holy See during the interregnum, until a new Pope is elected. More on that later.
Standing solemnly at the Pope’s bedside, the Camerlengo must perform a ritual that is as theatrical as it is solemn and grave. He calls the Pope’s baptismal name three times. In the case of Pope Francis, the Camerlengo must have said, “Jorge, Jorge, Jorge”. Once no response is received, the Camerlengo declares the Pope dead. As we learnt from ANGELS AND DEMONS, that’s it. No autopsy.
Next, the Camerlengo solemnly removes the Fisherman’s Ring — the signet worn by the Pope — and ceremoniously destroys it, usually by hammering it or cutting it with shears. This ritual symbolizes that the earthly reign of the man who once ruled Christendom is well and truly over.
Following the death of the Holy Father, the Holy See enters a time of Sede Vacante— the “empty seat.” The papal apartments are sealed, literally locked and taped shut. The Swiss Guard — the colorful sentinels you must have seen on TV — redouble their watch.
Under Catholic rules, a Pope’s burial should take place between four and six days after his death. But there is a nine-day period of mourning known as the novendiale. For those nine days, the Church mourns, and the city of Rome transforms into a river of black and purple.
Behind the scenes, the Pope’s body is prepared for public viewing and then laid in state before thousands of mourners — the faithful, who move past his bier with heads bowed, at St. Peter’s Basilica. There is also the procession across St. Peter’s square.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a quiet but intense political ballet begins among the Church’s Cardinals. In whispered conversations in hidden corridors, alliances form and fade. Who will be worthy to take his place and bear the mantle of the first Bishop of Rome, Pope Peter I?
Because the Church of Christ must march on and the gates of hades cannot prevail, then comes the centuries old process of the election of a new Pope, the Conclave. The Conclave is the oldest historical method of electing the Pope. It involves different rounds of voting until a Pope emerges having won two-thirds majority.
The Conclave takes place typically between 15 to 20 days after the death of a Pope. Inside the Sistine Chapel, behind marble walls and beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes, 120 cardinals — those under the age of 80 — gather in red robes to select the next Pope.
With almost theatrical drama, the Cardinals, with no phones or connection to the outside world. walk in solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the ancient prayer Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come, Creator Spirit”), invoking the Holy Spirit to guide their minds and hearts.
The heavy doors of the Sistine Chapel are shut with the words “Extra omnes!” — “Everyone out!” Only the Cardinals and a few support staff remain. The world is cut off. The voting begins.
Each Cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot, folds it, and walks, to the altar under Michelangelo’s towering Last Judgment. There, he slides it into a chalice and utters the words: “Testor Christum Dominum qui me iudicaturus est”: “I call Christ the Lord to witness that my vote is given to the one I think should be elected.”
After each round of voting — known as a scrutiny — the ballots are burned in a special stove. Chemicals are added: black smoke means no Pope has been chosen; white smoke signals there is new Pope. All this while, the crowd wait in St. Peter’s Square, staring up at the thin chimney. Every wisp of smoke is greeted with a wave of gasps and murmurs from the crowd.
The shortest Conclave is history is generally considered to be the October 1503 papal conclave which lasted for less than 10 hours. There was also the 1 – 2 March 1939 Conclave which saw the election of Pope Pius XII on his 63rd birthday to replace Pope Pius XI. The longest Conclave lasted for three years. Not to worry, modern Conclaves now last only a few days.
When a Cardinal finally receives two-thirds of the votes, bells will ring within the Sistine Chapel and the chosen Cardinal is escorted outside and asked the historical question – “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
If the Cardinal accepts his election – and who would not? – he is immediately asked to take a new name. That is how Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis; Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła became Pope John II.
But before he is dressed in his papal garment, he will be led to the “Room of Tears” where he will have a moment alone to reflect on the burdens of his new position. It is actually in the room of tears that he changes into his papal vestments
Next, the new Pope is dressed in white papal garment. Fun fact: the papal garment is prepared in three sizes since no one knows beforehand who will be chosen as Pope. Once dressed, the Pope returns to the Sistine Chapel to be greeted by the Cardinal, each kissing his hand in reverence.
Outside, the pure unmistakable white smoke appears, to be greeted by the triumphant tolling of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and a roar of the crowd.
And on the central balcony, the Senior Cardinal Deacon appears in red and gold, raises his arms to silence the crowd and declares to the world, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”)
