From ‘Conclave’ to ‘White Smoke’: Papal Glossary/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The transition between popes includes centuries-old Catholic traditions, filled with unique terms and sacred rituals. From “sede vacante” to “white smoke,” these terms define the selection of the next pope. Here’s a glossary to help decode the language and symbolism during a papal transition.
Papal Transition Glossary: Quick Looks
- Camerlengo: The cardinal who verifies the pope’s death and temporarily manages Vatican affairs.
- College of Cardinals: The 252 global cardinals, including 135 eligible to vote in the next conclave.
- Conclave: Latin for “with a key” — the closed-door process where cardinals elect the next pope.
- Dean of Cardinals: Currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, he oversees the conclave and confirms the election result.
- Domus Santa Marta: The Vatican guesthouse where cardinals stay during the conclave — and where Pope Francis lived.
- ‘Extra omnes’: Latin for “all out,” signaling non-electors to leave before voting begins.
- Fisherman’s Ring: Symbolic papal ring, once destroyed upon a pope’s death, now annulled to prevent misuse.
- General Congregations: Pre-conclave meetings where cardinals discuss church matters and preparations.
- ‘Habemus Papam’: The iconic Latin announcement: “We have a pope.”
- Infirmarii: Three cardinals who collect votes from ill electors.
- Papal Motto: Francis’ was “miserando atque eligendo” — “having had mercy and choosing him.”
- Revisers and Scrutineers: Cardinals chosen to count and verify votes during the conclave.
- Rogito: The Latin document detailing a pope’s life and papacy, placed in his coffin.
- Sede Vacante: The “vacant seat” period between pontificates.
- St. Mary Major: The Roman basilica where Pope Francis requested to be buried.
- Universi Dominici Gregis: The official constitution outlining the rules of papal succession.
- White & Black Smoke: The visible signs from the Sistine Chapel — black means no pope, white means one has been elected.
From ‘Conclave’ to ‘White Smoke’: Papal Glossary
Deep Look
VATICAN CITY — The death of Pope Francis has launched a carefully choreographed period of mourning and transition — a centuries-old process governed by sacred tradition and ecclesiastical law. Understanding the intricate rituals and unique terminology surrounding a papal succession helps make sense of what unfolds in the coming weeks as the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next leader.
The Camerlengo’s Role
The camerlengo, or chamberlain, is the cardinal tasked with confirming the pope’s death and safeguarding Vatican affairs in the interim. Currently, this vital role is held by Irish-born American Cardinal Kevin Farrell. His first duty was to officially announce the pope’s passing and seal his residence.
The College of Cardinals
This body, composed of 252 cardinals worldwide, oversees church governance between pontificates. Only 135 of them — those under age 80 — are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave. An overwhelming majority of these were appointed by Francis himself, suggesting that his vision for the Church could influence his successor.
What is a Conclave?
The term conclave comes from the Latin “cum clave,” meaning “with a key,” reflecting the ancient tradition of locking away cardinals until a decision is made. Held in the Sistine Chapel, this closed-door session is where the next pope is elected — and it must begin no more than 20 days after a papal vacancy.
The Dean and the Protodeacon
The dean of the College of Cardinals, currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, announces the pope’s death to cardinals and ambassadors, convenes the conclave, and oversees the proceedings. Once a new pope is chosen, the protodeacon — French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti — steps onto the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica and utters the historic words: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”
The Rituals of Voting
Key roles within the conclave include the scrutineers, revisers, and infirmarii — all cardinals selected by lot. Scrutineers collect and count votes, revisers verify them, and infirmarii retrieve ballots from electors too ill to vote in person.
Each vote is conducted in secrecy, and ballots are burned after each round. The color of the smoke released from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicates the result: black smoke means no decision has been reached, while white smoke — and pealing bells — signal a new pope has been elected.
The Fisherman’s Ring and the Rogito
The new pope is given the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing St. Peter, the Church’s first leader. Traditionally destroyed after a pope’s death, it is now simply rendered unusable. A rogito — a Latin document detailing the deceased pope’s life and legacy — is placed inside his coffin and archived.
Where the Cardinals Stay
During the conclave, cardinals reside at the Domus Santa Marta, a Vatican guesthouse built in 1996. Notably, Pope Francis chose to live there throughout his papacy rather than occupy the traditional papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.
A Pope’s Final Resting Place
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested burial at St. Mary Major Basilica, where he frequently prayed before the icon of the Salus Populi Romani — a revered Byzantine-style image of the Virgin Mary. This contrasts with most popes who are interred beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Governing Law: Universi Dominici Gregis
The transition from one papacy to the next is governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, originally issued by St. John Paul II in 1996 and amended by Pope Benedict XVI. It outlines everything from the start of the conclave to the election procedures. After multiple rounds of voting, if no clear winner emerges, the top two candidates face a runoff — but cannot vote for themselves.
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