Camerlengo, Camerlengo, Who's got the Camerlengo?

Sede Vacante....or "Peace out, homies"

You thought you saw drama before? Just wait! The process from "Sede Vacante" or "Empty Sea" until the installation of the new Pope is filled with drama and pageantry. For many of us, well, those under the age of 40, we don't get to see this happen that often.  Benedict was my 1st, Papa X will be the next (or last if the Big Guy decides to show up soon.) Either way, it is amazingly fascinating and very ancient. 

So, by now Pope Emeritus Benedict is snoozing away in Castle Gandalfo (being a Lord of the Rings fan, I chuckle).  What's next? 

Running the day to day operations is the Camerlengo of the Roman Church. No, he is not a cast member from the Sopranos. The Camerlengo, which is Italian for Chamberlain, is in charge of administration of property and revenue of the Vatican.  He is one of the only people whose office does not end with the absence of a Pope. Back in the day, the Archdeacon of Rome was the Camerlengo, but after the 16th century it was passed to a Cardinal.  In this case, Cardinal Bertone is in charge. He also has the task to oversee the start of the conclave.

Once a Pope dies or retires in this case, the Camerlengo takes the "Ring of the Fisherman" or the Papal Ring and smashes it along with the Papal Seal.  The Papal Office is sealed and any paperwork contained therein is only accessible to the new Pope.  During the interregnum, the Camerlengo calls a General Congregation of the Sacred College of Cardinals. Attendance is mandatory for all Cardinals present for the election of a new Pope. Their duties are to handle and discuss any major issues that are not handled by a Particular Congregation.  They choose 3 Cardinals, whose term is only 3 days, to be members of the Particular Congregation along with the Camerlengo who basically just handle routine daily matters.  Btw, they really can't do anything. They are just maintenance.  They have no jurisdiction to some degree in anything; just keeping things rolling until the new guy shows up.  Their real task is to bump elbows with other Cardinals and start getting their feelers out for who should wear the white cassock and get his face smeared on coffee cups and t-shirts.

Eventually, at a General Congregation, they choose the date of the start of the conclave.  Rumor has it that the first General Congregation will take place on Monday. My huntch is that the conclave will start next week. It usually begins 15 days after Sede Vacante begins.  This gives Cardinals a chance to fly to Rome if the case as when the Pope dies. However, Pope Emeritus Benedict last week issued a motu propio to allow the conclave to begin sooner if the Cardinals so choose. They will. There is a contingent pushing to get a new Big Kahuna by Holy Week. Plus, they are not caught off guard by a death, but by a retirement. 

Once the Conclave Day arrives, the Cardinals will celebrate in the morning a Mass for the Election of the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica. Usually, the celebrant is the Dean of the College of Cardinals.  In choir dress, they will then process to the Sistine Chapel to the singing of the Litany of Saints. From discussions with Cardinals who voted in a Conclave, this is one of the most powerful moments when you feel the whole Church praying with you. Staring them in the face as they enter the Sistine Chapel is the awesome image of Christ in Judgement by Michelangelo. Talk about intense!  Once they are all in and everyone has their seat, the Papal Master of Ceremonies locks the door and the conclave begins. Ding! Round 1.

From now until the conclave, votive Masses for the Election of the Pope may take place. However, we are during Lent which usually trumps that Mass. However, Bishops are allowing their priests to celebrate them. Either way, Papal Watch has now begun!

Next up, What happens in the Conclave.....