The rules in force in the Vatican after the Pope's death, i.e. in the period of Sede Vacante and regarding the election of a successor, was written in the Apostolic Constitution published in 1996 “Universi Dominici Gregis” by John Paul II about vacation in the Holy See and the election of the Roman bishop.
In the Catholic Church, Sede Vacante is a time limit for the period in which the episcopal capital is not supported.
The Apostolic Constitution proclaims: “Immediately after receiving the news about the death of the Pope Camerling of the Holy Roman Church, he should officially state the fact of the Pope's death in the presence of a master of papal liturgical ceremonies, prelates, as well as secretary and chancellor of the apostolic camera and draw up a document or an authentic death certificate.”
“Cardinal Camerling should also put seals on the Pope's studio and room,” it was noted. “He is also to notify the Cardinal of the Pope of the Pope of the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, who will pass this message to the Roman people, as well as the cardinal of the Archprint of the Vatican Basilica with a special message,” he emphasized.
Cardinal Camerling is to take possession of the Vatican Apostolic Palace and, in person or through its delegate, the Palace in Lateran and Castel Gandolfo, as well as supervision and management over them.
In the first chapter of the Constitution, John Paul II wrote: “During the vacancies of the Holy See, the College of Cardinals does not have any power or jurisdiction in matters belonging to the Pope during his life or in fulfilling the functions resulting from his office; all these matters must only be reserved for the future pope.”
“I declare,” he added, “that he is invalid and there were any act of power or jurisdiction, belonging to the Roman bishop during his life or related to the execution of his office, which the College of Cardinals would find that he should be made, unless it is within the limits of this constitution.”
By virtue of this key document during vacancies in the Holy See, the management of the Church belongs to the College of Cardinals, but only to quickly settle ordinary matters or matters that cannot be settled and to prepare everything that is necessary to choose a new pope.
“This task must be fulfilled in the manner and in the limits provided by this Constitution,” he added.
The next point of the Constitution says: “The Cardinal College can in no way decide on the rights of the Holy See and the Roman Church, and even more so, directly or indirectly allow any of them, even in order to lead to consent or preventing actions against these laws or the legitimate waiver of the office by paper. All cardinal rights “.
During laws, issued by previous popes, they can in no way be corrected or changed; “First of all, when it comes to the provisions regarding the election of the pope.”
The next stage is the convening of the so -called Congregation of Cardinals during the preparation of the election of the Pope. Cardinals from all over the world participate in them.
These are two types of gatherings: everyday general, that is, the entire cardinal and particular college.
The particular Congregation includes: Cardinal Camerling of the Holy Roman Church and three cardinals, one of each of the degree, drawn from among cardinals – electors arrived in Rome. Cardinals – electors are participants of the conclave who are under 80 years old.
John Paul II ordered that the voice in the Cardinals' Congregations, when it comes to matters of greater importance, “should not be given orally, but passed in secret.”
All cardinals participating in the Congregations are to take an oath to preserve the provisions contained in the Constitution and to keep a secret.
One of the most urgent tasks of the cardinals is to prepare the funeral ceremony of the deceased Pope and determine their beginning in such a way that the submission to the grave takes place between the fourth and sixth day after death; “Probably that other special arguments occur,” it was reserved.
It is also necessary to prepare rooms in the Vatican House of Saint Marta for cardinals – electors and the Sistine chapel, where the conclave will take place.
There is also the following regulation: “entrusted with two clergy characterized by knowledge, wisdom and moral authority, the task of conducting two considerations for the cardinals regarding the problems of the Church at this special moment and the right choice of the new pope.”
It is also necessary to approve – at the request of the administration of the Holy See or, according to competences, the Governor of the Vatican State – expenses arising in the period from the death of the Pope to choose the successor, as well as read the documents, if they were, left by the deceased Pope for the College of Cardinals.
Another task is to take care of the cancellation of the fisherman's ring, worn by the pope and the lead seal with which the apostolic lists are sent.
At the time of the Pope's death, all the superiors of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Cardinal Secretary of State and the members of these dicasteries cease to perform their offices. The exception is the Camerling of the Holy Roman Church and a larger penitentiary who still settle ordinary matters, submitting the college of cardinals what should be submitted to the Pope.
The second part of the constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis” is devoted to the election of the pope. It stated that all electors cardinals convened to choose a new pope are obliged by saint obedience to submit to the announcement of convening and to go to the place designated for this purpose, “unless they stop their illness or other serious obstacle considered to be correct by the Cardinals' College.”
Pursuant to the provisions, electors from the beginning of activities related to the selection until the moment when it occurs and is publicly announced, they must refrain from conducting letter, telephone or communicating with the help of other funds with people not related to the environment, “except for the case of justified and urgent necessity.”
After funeral ceremonies, not later than the twentieth day since the death of the Pope, Cardinals electors will gather at the preceding Mass Pro Eligendo Papa – for the election of the Pope.
From the Vatican Sylwia Wysocka (PAP)
SW/ ZM/
