With the election of a new pontiff, a series of traditional rites will take place before the public learns his identity.
New Pope Elected: The Ritual of Announcement and Tradition Awaits
New Pope Elected: The Ritual of Announcement and Tradition Awaits
As the white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel, anticipation builds for the announcement of the next pope, with traditions set to unfold.
The Vatican has confirmed that white smoke has emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, marking the election of a new pope. However, there will be a delay before the announcement of his identity. Traditionally, it takes about an hour for the elected cardinal to step out onto St. Peter’s Basilica's balcony, where, in Latin, he will proclaim, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” (I announce to you a great joy: We have a pope).
For this conclave, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is expected to be the one delivering the announcement. If he is indeed chosen as the new pope, the announcement will be conveyed by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.
In the meantime, activities will ramp up inside the Apostolic Palace. Archbishop Diego Ravelli will prepare a document to certify that the cardinal has accepted the role of bishop of Rome. If the new pope is not already a bishop, he will be ordained immediately. Following this, the voting cardinals will approach the newly-elected pontiff to pay their homage and pledge their obedience.
One of the rituals involves taking the pope to the Room of Tears—where he will don the white papal cassock for the first time. This room, named for the emotional responses of previous popes during their initial moments after election, has garments in various sizes ready, as the exact measurements of the new pope remain unknown. The same goes for the shoes, which come in different sizes to cater to whoever the elected leader may be.
Once the papal vestments are adorned, the newly elected pope will step out onto the balcony to greet the awaiting crowd for the first time, marking the beginning of his leadership.
In this moment of transition for the Catholic Church, all eyes are on the forthcoming announcement, embodying a blend of tradition and the anticipation of new leadership.
For this conclave, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti of France is expected to be the one delivering the announcement. If he is indeed chosen as the new pope, the announcement will be conveyed by Cardinal Mario Zenari of Italy.
In the meantime, activities will ramp up inside the Apostolic Palace. Archbishop Diego Ravelli will prepare a document to certify that the cardinal has accepted the role of bishop of Rome. If the new pope is not already a bishop, he will be ordained immediately. Following this, the voting cardinals will approach the newly-elected pontiff to pay their homage and pledge their obedience.
One of the rituals involves taking the pope to the Room of Tears—where he will don the white papal cassock for the first time. This room, named for the emotional responses of previous popes during their initial moments after election, has garments in various sizes ready, as the exact measurements of the new pope remain unknown. The same goes for the shoes, which come in different sizes to cater to whoever the elected leader may be.
Once the papal vestments are adorned, the newly elected pope will step out onto the balcony to greet the awaiting crowd for the first time, marking the beginning of his leadership.
In this moment of transition for the Catholic Church, all eyes are on the forthcoming announcement, embodying a blend of tradition and the anticipation of new leadership.
