The air crackles with anticipation. Thousands of eyes are glued to the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, their collective breath held hostage by the centuries-old tradition unfolding within its walls. The Papal Conclave, that sacred assembly of Cardinals tasked with electing a new leader for the Catholic Church, has reached its culmination. But what exactly happens after the decision is made? What are the signs, the ceremonies, and the actions that mark the end of conclave and the beginning of a new pontificate? This article will provide a comprehensive explanation of the final stages of the papal election process, from the eagerly awaited announcement of a new Pope to his formal inauguration and beyond, offering a clear understanding of what the end of conclave entails.
Signals of a Successful Papal Election
The end of conclave is heralded by a series of carefully orchestrated signals, each carrying profound meaning and historical weight. The most iconic of these is, without a doubt, the billowing plume of smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney.
The burning of ballots, a practice dating back centuries, is the method used to communicate the results of each voting round to the world outside. After each ballot, the papers are burned in a special stove. The color of the smoke signifies the outcome. Black smoke, produced by adding chemicals such as potassium perchlorate, potassium nitrate and sulfur to the fire, indicates an inconclusive vote – a sign that the Cardinals have not yet reached the necessary two-thirds majority.
But when the smoke turns white, a collective cheer erupts from St. Peter’s Square. White smoke, created by burning a mixture including potassium chlorate, lactose and resin, is the unmistakable signal that a new Pope has been elected. The end of conclave is nigh! It’s important to remember that historically, the interpretation of the smoke color hasn’t always been perfect. Errors and ambiguities have occurred, adding to the tension and drama. In modern times, to eliminate any confusion, the Vatican also uses an electronic system to transmit the result of the vote, ensuring clarity alongside the traditional smoke signal.
Complementing the visual signal of white smoke are the jubilant sounds emanating from St. Peter’s Basilica. The bells, silent during the conclave, begin to ring out in a joyous peal, confirming to the world that the end of conclave is indeed upon us. The ringing bells act as a crucial corroboration of the white smoke, providing double confirmation that the election was successful.
Finally, comes the formal announcement, delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica by the Cardinal Protodeacon. The momentous declaration rings out in Latin: “Habemus Papam!” – “We have a Pope!”
The phrase itself carries immense weight, steeped in history and tradition. The announcement continues, identifying the new Pope by his given name and then revealing the papal name he has chosen for his pontificate. This moment marks a pivotal shift, the official beginning of the end of conclave and the dawn of a new era for the Catholic Church.
Acceptance and the New Pope’s First Actions
The end of conclave isn’t simply a matter of external announcements. The process involves crucial internal steps taken by the newly elected Pope.
First and foremost, the Cardinal who has received the necessary votes must formally accept his election. This is not a mere formality, but a deeply significant act of acceptance and submission to the will of God, as understood by the College of Cardinals. He is asked the simple yet profound question: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” While extremely rare, it is possible for a Cardinal to decline the papacy. Should that occur, the conclave would continue until a candidate accepts the position.
Upon accepting the papacy, the newly elected Pope chooses his papal name. This tradition, rooted in history, allows the new pontiff to signal his intentions and connections to previous popes. Some choose the name of a predecessor they admire, others choose a name that reflects their vision for the Church. The choice of name is a personal and significant decision. For example, the name John Paul evokes the legacy of Pope John Paul II, while Francis, chosen by the current Pope, alludes to St. Francis of Assisi and his emphasis on poverty and simplicity. The papal name becomes an integral part of the new Pope’s identity and public persona.
Following the acceptance and name selection, the new Pope enters the “Room of Tears,” the sacristy of the Sistine Chapel. This room is so named because of the overwhelming emotion that many Popes experience at this momentous occasion. The room contains three white cassocks of different sizes, prepared in advance, to ensure a proper fit for the new Pope. This moment, often filled with profound emotion, symbolizes the immense weight and responsibility the new Pope is about to assume.
Then comes the moment the world has been waiting for: the new Pope’s first appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Dressed in his white cassock and zucchetto, he emerges to greet the throngs of faithful gathered below. This appearance is a powerful visual symbol of continuity and leadership, solidifying the end of conclave and the beginning of his papacy.
Following the appearance, the new Pope delivers his first “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. “Urbi et Orbi” translates to “to the city and to the world,” and this blessing is a special papal blessing imparted on solemn occasions. The blessing is a prayer for peace and salvation, and it is traditionally accompanied by the granting of an indulgence, a remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven. This act immediately connects the new Pope to the global Catholic community.
The Papal Inauguration Ceremony
While the appearance on the balcony and the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing mark the immediate end of conclave, the official beginning of the new pontificate is solidified through the Papal Inauguration Mass.
This ceremony, typically held in St. Peter’s Square, is a formal and elaborate affair, attended by dignitaries and pilgrims from around the world. It is a celebration of the new Pope’s role as the leader of the Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome.
During the inauguration, several key rituals and symbols are presented to the new Pope. The pallium, a woolen stole, is bestowed upon him. This symbol represents the Pope’s authority as the Good Shepherd, entrusted with the care of the flock. The pallium is a visible reminder of his responsibilities as the spiritual leader of the Church.
The Fisherman’s Ring, also known as the Ring of St. Peter, is presented to the new Pope. This ring, unique to each pontiff, bears an image of St. Peter casting his net. It symbolizes the Pope’s authority and connection to St. Peter, the first Pope. Upon the death or resignation of a Pope, the Fisherman’s Ring is ceremoniously destroyed, ensuring that it cannot be used to forge documents or impersonate the deceased or former pontiff.
Another significant moment in the inauguration is the homage of the Cardinals. The Cardinals, who elected the new Pope, pledge their obedience and loyalty to him. This act underscores the unity and hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church.
The Papal Inauguration formally installs the new Pope as the Bishop of Rome. While he becomes Pope upon accepting the election during the conclave, this ceremony emphasizes his role as the leader of the diocese of Rome, the seat of the papacy.
The inauguration mass marks the official beginning of the papal reign. The end of conclave transitions seamlessly into the new pontificate, with the new Pope assuming his full responsibilities and setting the course for the Church under his leadership.
Life After The Election
Immediately following the inauguration, the new Pope undertakes numerous important tasks as he settles into the role as head of the Catholic Church. This includes moving into the Papal Apartments in Vatican City, and appointing key staff to help run the Church. Some of his most important assignments include the appointment of a new Secretary of State, who will manage many of the day to day operations of the Vatican, as well as choosing who will lead congregations and pontifical councils.
Following the election the new pope will begin to receive a never ending stream of visitors, including heads of state, Church leaders and religious representatives from many faiths. The priorities of the new pope will vary widely, but they include addressing pressing issues facing the Church, setting a new direction for Catholic education, and maintaining relationships with important leaders around the world.
The End of Conclave Explained: A New Chapter Begins
In summary, the end of conclave is not just a single event, but a series of interconnected steps, each steeped in tradition and symbolism. From the anxiously awaited white smoke and the joyous ringing of bells to the formal announcement, the acceptance of the papacy, and the solemn inauguration ceremony, each element contributes to the momentous transition of leadership within the Catholic Church. The end of conclave is a carefully orchestrated process that ensures the continuity of the papacy and its role as a guiding force for Catholics worldwide. It’s a powerful reminder of the enduring traditions and the spiritual significance that underpin the Catholic faith, with each new Pope building upon the legacy of his predecessors while forging his own path for the Church in a rapidly changing world. The end of conclave marks not just the conclusion of an election, but the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
