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The continuous news coverage of the Pope's illness, death, and funeral has allowed people around the world to experience Catholicism either for the for the first time, or in a new light. The media has tried to give clear explanations of the ceremonies, but we have found ourselves answering many many questions about the papacy, the conclave, tradition, church history, etc.
As a result, we have pulled together some resources that may help you to answer this important questions, too. Filmed completely on location in Rome and the Holy Land, you will follow Peter from Galilee to Rome to discover answers about the major role of the Papacy in the saga of salvation. All in a fast-paced, entertaining format that is a combination of a biography, travel documentary, Bible study and an apologetics course! Includes a study guide. Part of The Footprints of God series.
Using Scripture, Church history, and common sense (with a dash of wit added for good measure), Madrid explains why these "pope fictions' simply don't hold water.
This full color 18x40 chart features a medallion-sized image and a short biography of every pope - Peter and his 263 successors, including Pope John Paul II. An exciting visual aid for churches, schools, and personal use.
Inside, you'll discover the spectacular story of the Church from Biblical times and the early days of St. Peter—the first pope—to the twilight years of John Paul II. It is a sweeping drama of Roman legions, great crusades, epic battles, toppled empires, heroic saints, and enduring faith. |
Apostolica Sedes Vacans (The Vacant See)
If you have visited the Vatican website lately you may have noticed that it looks a little different. Usually titled, "The Holy See", the death of the pope has left the Seat of Peter empty, thus the title "Apostolica Sedes Vacans (The Vacant See) now appears. This time of waiting for the election of our new pope is referred to as Papal Interregnum, which in Latin means between the papal reign (between popes). Currently, the Apostolic Camera - a seven-member council - governs the Church, while the Camerlengo takes care of the papal residence and properties. The official seal of the Apostolic Camera will remain on the Vatican website until the new Pope's seal is revealed.
Since the Holy Father's death on April 2, the Universal Church has been participating in a Novendiali - nine days of mourning. Only now that the time of mourning is complete can we look to the election of the next Pope.
Today is the first day of the Papal Conclave. The word conclave (from the Latin meaning "with key") refers to the secure location where the election takes place, since all the proceedings during a conclave remain secret. In modern times, the Cardinals are kept sequestered in a residence near the Sistine Chapel for the duration of the conclave.
Cardinals are given the important job of counselors to the pope and serve as representatives from all Christian nations. They assist in liturgical services and also work to help govern the Church. The complete group of Cardinals is called "The College of Cardinals".
Today, the Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a Mass entitled "Pro Eligendo Papa" (For Electing a Pope). This afternoon the conclave will officially start.
On the first day, only one vote is taken, but on the following days there are two in the morning and two in the evening. Ballets are secret, and a two-thirds majority is needed to win the election.
If there is no majority after three days, the Cardinals will spend a full day in prayer and meditation. If there is no decision after seven more votes, Cardinals will again spend a day in prayer. If thirty votes are taken with no results, the nominee receiving an absolute majority (half of the votes plus one) at the next vote will be elected the new Pope.
Habemus Papam! (We Have a Pope!) When a decision has been reached, the dean of the College of Cardinals will ask the nominee if he accepts the position. If the nomination is accepted, the conclave ends and the new pope is then asked to state the name he will use (e.g. Karol Wojtyla became John Paul II). All the ballots and notes used during voting are burned and the white smoke, along with the ringing of Vatican bells, tells the world that the new pope has been chosen.
If the nominee is already a bishop, he automatically becomes the Bishop of Rome. If not, he must be ordained as one immediately.
The new pope puts on his white cassock and other papal vestments before going out to the crowds to give his first blessing. Our new Holy Father is announced with the words: Habemus Papam! (We Have a Pope!)
*Definitions of terms taken from The Catholic Encyclopedia *Information on the Conclave taken from Pope John Paul II's 1996 writing, "Universi Dominici Gregis - On the Vacancy of the Apostolic See and the Election of the Roman Pontiff)
It all begins in Rome, where the man who will be Vicar of Christ (Christ's representative on earth) is chosen not to rule, but to serve.
This pamphlet details how the Church selects a new Pope. Learn who is eligible, who votes, and the significance of the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. (Pack of 50 pamphlets).
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Peter
- Keeper of the Keys
Pope
Fiction - Answers to 30 Myths and Misconceptions About the Papacy
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As the conclave begins today, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide the College of Cardinals as they elect a new shepherd for our Church.
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Prayer For the Election of a New Pope
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