Not Just Small Talk: Latin Words to Know During the Papal Election
Papal Election's Minimal Latin Language
The next Pope's coronation is around the corner, and while you probably don't need to brush up on your Latin daily, there are a few phrases you should know for the event. Latin remains the lingua franca of the Vatican, and the language of the Catholic Church's state. Here's your crash course:
Getting Started
Before the cardinals lock themselves up in the Sistine Chapel to choose the new Pope, they gather for a final Mass. This service is titled "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice", which means "For electing the Roman Pope."
Kicking Everyone Out
Just before the ballots are cast, the master of ceremonies announces "Extra omnes", which means "Everyone out!" This command ensures non-cardinals leave the Sistine Chapel.
Secrets Kept
Once inside, the cardinals take an oath of secrecy. The leader of the conclave reads out the Latin portion of the oath: "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro. Sic me Deus adiuvet et haec Sancta Dei Evangelia, quae manu mea tango". In English, it translates to "I promise, I vow, and I swear. So help me God and these holy Gospels that I touch with my hand." This oath signifies the cardinals' commitment to confidentiality during the voting process.
Voting Procedure
Each ballot contains the pre-printed phrase "Eligo in Summum Pontificem", meaning "I elect as Supreme Pontiff." Beneath this phrase, each cardinal writes the name of their preferred candidate.
Solemn Words
Upon casting their vote, each cardinal says: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere". This phrase roughly translates to "I call upon Christ, the Lord, who will judge me, as my witness that I give my vote to him whom, according to God's will, I believe should be elected." These words demonstrate the cardinals' reverence for the election and their faith in divine guidance during the proceedings.
The Big Question
If a candidate receives two-thirds of the votes, the dean asks them "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?" This question, translating to "Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?", officially announces the new Pope.
New Pope, New Name
After the new Pope's election, they are asked "Quo nomine vis vocari?", which means "By what name do you wish to be called?" Choosing a papal name is an essential part of the papal transition, establishing the link between the new Pope and their predecessors.
The Announcement
Finally, the Dean of the College of Cardinals takes to the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce the new Pope's arrival with the proclamation: "I proclaim to you a great joy: We have a Pope!" The new Pontiff is then introduced with a new title: "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)." And that's all, folks! The new Pope has been chosen, and St. Peter's Square erupts in celebration.
Fun Fact
The term "conclave" comes from "cum clave", meaning "with a key." It symbolizes the cardinals being "locked" inside the Sistine Chapel, isolated from external influences as they vote for the new Pope.
In a profound display of tradition, the cardinals adhere to the Latin phrase "Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice" during the gathering before the election, signifying their purpose.
Upon excluding non-cardinals from the Sistine Chapel, the master of ceremonies announces "Extra omnes", instilling a sense of solemnity.
The sworn oath of secrecy, recited in Latin, assures discretion: "Et ego spondeo, voveo ac iuro."
Echoing a unified voice, each ballot bears the inscription "Eligo in Summum Pontificem", affirming their collective decision-making.
Upon casting their ballots, cardinals recite "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me eum eligere, quem secundum Deum iudico eligi debere", expressing their reverence.
The dean inquires, in Latin, "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?" to officially confirm the new Pope.
Lastly, the cardinals choose their papal names, preserving the link between the Church's ancestors and its future leaders, as they answer "Quo nomine vis vocari?"
Post-election, the new Pope's arrival is announced to the world with the triumphant declaration, "I proclaim to you a great joy: We have a Pope!"
Embodying the essence of a new era in the life of the Church, the new Pope embraces a name that sets the tone for their reign, "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)." The celebration embraces the community, involving many aspects of our lives, including lifestyles, fashion and beauty, food and drink, home and garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and even shopping.
