Some Notes About the Upcoming Conclave

What Does The Prayer Really Say ^ | 2/11/13 | Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

[marshmallow]

Canon 332 §2 of the Code of Canon Law states: “If it happens that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that the resignation is made freely and properly manifested but not that it is accepted by anyone.”

So, since the Pope has not died, there will not be the period of mourning and Masses, the Novemdiales, the day of death being counted as one of the days.

When the Pope resigns, at 8 p.m. Rome time on 28 February, there will be a state called “sede vacante”, “the see being empty” . I remind priests not to say the Pope’s name in the Eucharistic Prayer after that.

Most curial offices cease and must be reconfirmed. One office that continues is that of the Major Penitentiary, because his office concerns internal forum matters and, thus, the care of souls in urgent situations.

Governance of the Church devolves to the College of Cardinals meeting in Congregations, General and Particular. All cardinals, even those over 80, who are not legitimately impeded (by weather, illness, government interference, etc.) should attend, though older men can get permission not to. The General Congregations are lead by the Dean or Sub-Dean, or the senior Elector. The powers of the Congregations are limited by what the previous Pope prescribed. Particular Congregations are smaller groups of cardinals tasked to handle pressing needs of governance. This includes the Camerlengo, and a Cardinal Bishop, Cardinal Priest and Cardinal Deacon who are chosen by lot from the electors (cardinals under 80) who are in Rome. They have terms of three days. A Particular Congregation can’t overturn the work of a previous Particular Congregation.

[marshmallow]

FYI........

[RIghtwardHo]

Thanks for the post. I was quite interested. ; )

[pgkdan]

I think the next few weeks are going to be very interesting.

[Biggirl]

I kinda wonder, when a Pope retires or resigns, will Pope Benedict XVI becomes “Papel emeritus” or retired Pope just like when a priest or a bishop retires has the title of emeritus?

Good question.

[dfwgator]

I wonder what will happen once he passes, been awhile since they’ve had to deal with that.

[Biggirl]

It will be very interesting indeed because he did not die first.

[Dr. Sivana]

I kinda wonder, when a Pope retires or resigns, will Pope Benedict XVI becomes “Papal emeritus” or retired Pope just like when a priest or a bishop retires has the title of emeritus?

He will still be a bishop. Likely he will have a titular See. It would be best if he did not submit to interviews and things like that, except on matters pertaining to personal holiness. Even then, there are many who would look for secret messages. My suspicion is that his health is even worse than it looks, so the point may be moot. But no emeritus anything. He certainly shouldn't go to the conclave to replace himself.

[Celtic Conservative]

He cannot participate in the conclave. He is 85 and the cutoff is 80. Besides he's already stated he will not participate in any way. His influence will be felt indirectly through those he's elevated to be cardinals as they tend to be theologically conservative.

CC

[Dr. Sivana]

He cannot participate in the conclave. He is 85 and the cutoff is 80.

Under the rules, that is correct, of course. But, as Supreme Pontiff he still has some time to change the rules, as they are not a part of the Deposit of Faith. While Pope Benedict XVI has been more careful about selecting Bishops than Pope John Paul II, some men who have been elevated to Cardinal have put on a good show until elevation, and then the mask drops (e.g. Cardinal Mahoney).

[Salvation]

Some Notes About the Upcoming Conclave
An Evangelical Looks at Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict’s Resignation in Historical Context
Virtually unprecedented: papal resignation throughout history
Pope Benedict XVI:a papal timeline
"I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome" [Full Text]
Pope Benedict's Address on Resignation of the See of Rome
POPE BENEDICT XVI WILL RESIGN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH, VATICAN PRESS OFFICE TELLS FOX NEWS