Vatican's sacred language: Understanding the Latin terms used for a Papal transition

As the Catholic Church begins the solemn and complex transition following the death of Pope Francis, centuries-old rituals and roles come into focus.

The process, steeped in history and tradition, involves a series of defined steps and offices.

Here's a guide to the key terms and roles shaping the transition.

Camerlengo
The camerlengo, or chamberlain, is the cardinal responsible for formally confirming the pope’s death, sealing his residence, and administering the Vatican’s temporal goods until a new pontiff is elected.

Irish-born American Cardinal Kevin Farrell currently holds this role.

College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals, currently composed of 252 members, takes charge during this interregnum. Of them, 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in the conclave. As per AP, 108 of these cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis.

Conclave
The conclave, which must begin within 20 days of a pope’s death or resignation, is a secretive meeting of the cardinal electors held inside the Sistine Chapel. Its name, Latin for “with a key”, reflects the tradition of sequestering the cardinals until a decision is reached. Only one of their own may be chosen and a two-thirds majority is required.

Dean of the College of Cardinals
Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the current dean of the College of Cardinals, presides over the conclave, administers oaths, and announces the pope’s death to the Church. Upon election, he asks the chosen pope whether he accepts and what name he will take.

Domus Santa Marta
The cardinals stay at Domus Santa Marta, a Vatican guesthouse. Unusually, Pope Francis chose to live there throughout his papacy instead of the Apostolic Palace.

Extra omnes
Once the Sistine Chapel doors close, the words “Extra omnes” (Latin for “all out”) are spoken by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, asking everyone but the electors to leave so voting can begin.

Fisherman’s Ring
Each pope receives the Fisherman’s Ring, symbolising his role as successor to St Peter, the “fisher of men.” Once a pope dies, the ring is not destroyed as before, but marked to prevent misuse.

General Congregations
The General Congregations are meetings of all cardinals before the conclave to discuss Church matters in secrecy. Meanwhile, the terms scrutineers, infirmarii, and revisers refer to cardinals chosen by lot to count votes, assist sick electors, and verify ballots, respectively.

Habemus Papam
When a new pope is elected, the protodeacon, currently French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”) from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Miserando atque eligendo
Pope Francis' own motto, “Miserando atque eligendo” (Latin for “having had mercy and choosing him”), was derived from the homilies of St Bede and reflects his pastoral philosophy.

Rogito
The rogito is a written summary of the deceased pope’s life, placed in his coffin. His burial will not be at St Peter’s, but at St Mary Major—a departure from tradition. In his will, Francis requested a plain tomb near the icon of Salus Populi Romani, which he held dear.

Sede vacante
The sede vacante, or “vacant seat,” marks the period between pontificates. During this time, the Church is governed by the rules in the Universi Dominici Gregis, a document issued by St John Paul II and later amended by Pope Benedict XVI to preserve the two-thirds majority rule throughout voting.

Black or white smoke
Finally, the world learns of the outcome through either black or white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke, and the tolling of bells, announces that a new pope has been chosen.