The organizers of the conclave will take an oath. The highest church penalty is threatened for breaking it
As announced by the office of liturgical celebrations, the oath in the Pauline chapel at the Apostolic Palace they will submit at 17.30 The clergy and secular designated to work during the conclave, starting on Wednesday. Provisions on this matter regulates the Apostolic Constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis” by John Paul II from 1996.
Persons performing various functions were delegated to work with the consent of the Church Manager during the Camerling Cardinal Kevin Farrell and three cardinals helping him. The oath ceremony will be a private act, away from cameras.
In accordance with the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution everyone properly instructed about the importance of the oath They must terminate it and sign it according to the following formula: “I promise and swear to keep a complete secret to anyone who does not belong to the College of Electors Cardinals, and forever, unless I receive a special authorization of a given clearly by the newly elected Pope or his successors, regarding all that concerns all voting and indirectly votes when choosing a pope.”
The rest of the oath says: “At the same time, I promise and swear from using any recording, auditory or video apparatus regarding what during the selection period is done within the limits of the Vatican state, and especially what directly or indirectly combines in any way with activities related to this choice. The canonical that the future Pope will decide to use. “
The oath ends the words: “Help me, Lord God and these holy Gospels, whom I touch my hand.” The secret is threatened with the highest church punishment: excommunication.
Office of liturgical celebration led by Archbishop Diego Ravelli in the released communication informed that the oath would be taken by: Secretary of the Cardinals College, master of liturgical ceremonies and ceremonies, employees of the papal sacristy; The priest elected by the cardinal chairman of the conclave to help in the performance of the office. In addition, the religious of the confessors were listed in different languages, doctors and nurses, elevator service staff, canteen workers and cleaners. Flowers and technical department staff, drivers carrying electors between their accommodation during the conclave, i.e. the House of Saint Marta and the Apostolic Palace, soldiers of the Swiss Guard and police officers and police officers are also obliged to oath.
It is a total of several dozen people.
Everyone who will work directly at the conclave will sleep in the Vatican during it and They cannot be in contact with their families.
