America Magazine Link + Conclave: OSV Link
The Funeral + The Vacant See + The Conclave + Church Hierarchy + The Election + Habemus Papam
"The
right to elect the Roman Pontiff belongs exclusively to the cardinals of the
holy Roman church, with the exception of those who have reached their 80th
birthday before the day of the Roman pontiff's death or the day when the
Apostolic See becomes vacant. The maximum number of cardinal electors must
not exceed 120. The right of active election by any other ecclesiastical dignitary
or the intervention of any lay power whatsoever is absolutely excluded."
If a vacancy of the Apostolic See should occur while an ecumenical council or an assembly of the Synod of Bishops is in progress, the council or assembly would be automatically suspended.
The electoral conclave must begin 15 to 20 days after the death of the pope. It takes place within the territory of Vatican City. Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. The cardinal electors reside at the Somus Sanctae Marthae; suitable accommodations are provided for necessary service personnel.
At the beginning of the conclave, the electors bind themselves by oath to observe strict secrecy and all other requirements related to the papal election as prescribed in the apostolic constitution of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, Universi Dominici Gregis, published on 22 February 1996.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Main Menu + Fr. Pat's Place + Recommend this page + Morning Prayer by e-mail + Send a Condolence Message
| Father Pat Umberger.
This appears on the Web Site
Father Pat's Place Not to be reproduced or electronically transmitted without permission. Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin USA + Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam |
| You
are visitor
|