From camerlengo to sede vacante: Words you need to know during a Papal transition
Pope Francis has officially ended his reign after his death on April 21. His sudden death has brought great sorrow to the devout Catholics and to those he has touched during his 12 years of papacy.
The 88-year-old pontiff, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was recovering from a bout with double pneumonia and made his surprise and final appearance on Easter Sunday.
After his death, the funeral proceedings and the selection of a new pope will be underway. To easily follow the developments about what’s next in the Vatican, here are some words to know:
- Camerlengo: an interim administrative leader of the Catholic church after a Pope dies or resigns. He will take over Vatican affairs, including leading the preparation for the conclave, until a new pope is elected. The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
- The Fisherman’s Ring: a signet ring included in Pope’s official regalia, and is presented during papal inauguration. Pope Francis wore a gold-plated silver Fisherman’s Ring bearing an image of St. Peter with the keys, which “authenticates the faith and symbolizes the duty entrusted to Peter of confirming the brethren.” Per the Holy See, the signet ring got its name from Peter, who is a fisherman Apostle and one of those who first believed in Jesus. It is used as an official seal for the papal decrees. When a Pope dies or resigns, the ring must be removed and destroyed by the Camerlengo to avoid forgery.
- Sede vacante: means “vacant seat.” This refers to a period when a papal seat is vacant. During this period, the official emblem of the Holy See will change from the papal crown figure to the umbraculum in yellow and red.
- Cardinal electors: a selecting body composed of cardinals aged under 80 that will elect the next pope. 135 cardinals are currently eligible to enter a conclave.
- General congregations: daily meetings of cardinals to discuss Church matters and lay out characteristics they believe the next pope should have.
- Conclave: a process of electing a pope. Coming from a Latin word, cum clave or “with key,” cardinals from around the world will gather for a secluded meeting in deciding for a new pope. It is usually held between 15 to 20 days after a pope dies.
- Domus Santa Maria: a Vatican guesthouse where cardinals will stay during a conclave.
- Papabili: an unofficial Italian term that means “pope-able” or someone who is deemed a frontrunner to becoming a new pope.
- Infirmarii: three randomly chosen cardinals who will gather ballots from electors who are sick during the conclave.
- Scrutineers: three randomly chosen cardinals who will review, announce, and tally votes during the conclave.
- Habemus papam: means “We have a pope,” a phrase announced by the senior elector at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to the people in the square when cardinals have elected a new pope.
- white smoke: an indicator that a new pope has been chosen before the official announcement.
- black smoke: an indicator of an inconclusive vote.
- Novendiali: refers to nine days of official mourning after the death of the pope.
- Papal interregnum: a period between the death or resignation of a pope and the selection process for a successor.
