..........and like many others I shall be interested to learn which of the 133 cardinals will be elected by a two-thirds majority. At the outset I must declare that I am not a catholic, but do find the whole historical business of what is happening in Rome intriguing.
The cardinals will be locked away deliberating and praying to select the new pope, but do we really know what goes on, and do you know where Conclave is held?
You may not be interested in who these elderly men select, but the sight of them colourfully kitted out in their red gowns, white lace, and red hats, accompanied by choirs singing Veni, Creator Spiritus as they process into the Sistine Chapel does focus the eye. The Sistine Chapel is where they will remain until the decision is reached. All windows have been blocked and the entrance doors will lock behind them with a cry of "Extra onmes" - everyone out. No electronic devices are allowed in the chapel, it is checked for bugs beforehand and all participants have to undergo security checks. They must swear an oath which invites damnation if they breathe a single detail of what takes place.
To the outside world this is all very peculiar in an age when television, the internet and freedom of information legislation mean that there are hardly any private moments left. However, under the gaze of the media in the centre of a European city Conclave still manages to go about it business in secrecy. 
Vatican workers, and firefighters have completed the installation of the stove in the Sistine chapel complete with chimney on the roof above.
The only clues as to the election's progress or lack of it are the puffs of dark smoke that rise four times a day above the Vatican to signal inconclusive ballot papers are being burnt in the Sistine Chapel. Damp straw used to be used to make sure the smoke was grey, but in a rare concession to modernity chemicals are now preferred. Once the winner has emerged, white smoke appears and to avoid any doubt, church bells are also rung.
Well if you have to be locked in somewhere, the Sistine Chapel is a glorious place to be stuck in.
ReplyDeleteIt would certainly allow plenty of time to study Michelangelo's influential fresco.
DeleteHello Rosemary, I find that the installation of chimneys and incinerators rather disturbing. Don't they remember what so recently happened at Notre Dame? Especially when today there are so many alternatives--colored fog machines and the like. I am sure that they will say they have safety precautions, but that comes under the heading of Famous Last Words.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - the whole business appears to be set in stone and has been since the first century AD.
DeleteDear Rosemary, I am not a Catholic either (though some in our family are or have been, leaving church after those scandals).
ReplyDeleteI admire all the historical rites (and clothings) - always thought that the Catholic Church gives full spectacles for our eyes, noses, ears, and souls (I always dip my fingers into the Holy Water and cross myself: who knows, maybe it may help) - so beautiful.
At the same time I am really happy that the Flying Dutchman and I enjoyed Rome just a short time before all the events that happened then.
Best wishes to you! Britta
You were very fortunate to visit when you did Britta - glad that you and the Flying Dutchman had a happy time in Rome together.
DeleteHabemus Papam - the choice a surprise, but I like that man, an intellectual and a man of action, speaking of peace.
DeleteDear Britta - my reaction was the same as yours - time of course will tell, but hopes are high.
DeleteI'm not religious at all so I find the entire thing bizarre. I like the architecture though.
ReplyDeleteNot only the architecture, but all of the wonderful paintings and sculpture too.
DeleteHello Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteChoosing a new pope is a process filled with ritual and tradition. I am not Catholic, but I find the proceedings very interesting. The recent coronation of King Charles III was another such event that was fascinating to watch. All the little details that hold meaning.
I must admit that I do question the excessive expense surrounding these rituals and traditions both within the the church and the Royal Family especially when so many people around the world are suffering great deprivation and poverty.
DeleteI've seen many popes come and go in my life time, the first one went in 1958 I think it was. Always very interesting on how the selection of a new pope is selected and I recall the joy it brought the nuns and priests when I went to school when one was chosen.
ReplyDeleteHoping you are feeling much improved, Rosemary.
Thank you for asking Margaret - I don't seem to have the time to blog these day, and the computer keeps playing up which does not help either.
DeleteI can remember the daily news as a child when everyone was waiting for the white smoke. On checking up it must have been when I was 14 in 1958. Pope John XXIII. I heard on tonight's news that recent conclaves lasted just two days l so it may not be long before we see white smoke.
ReplyDeleteIt could possibly take longer - it appears that there are some Cardinals who want to revert to how it used to be and others who want to take Pope Francis's approach further.
DeleteAnd today we have a new pope. Thank you for the interesting pictures and topic, Rosemary. The world has been watching the Conclave, perhaps more intently than in former times, with modern technical media, and in such uncertain times. I was raised Catholic, and this is the first time in my life the pope has been younger than myself!
ReplyDeleteTimes are indeed uncertain all around the world - however, it does appear that Pope Leo XIV was a very close ally of Pope Francis. The two shared many ideals and views on climate, migrants, the poor and needy.
DeleteYes, we now have a new Pope and I wish him well as he settles into his role.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Me too Jan.
DeleteIt’s intriguing to see how something so modern in its urgency still holds tightly to its ancient customs.
ReplyDeleteA memorable moment indeed in the history of the church.
Hopefully the new pope will be able to update the churches teachings on some of the current issues affecting the current world.
DeleteHello Rosemary, of course, the new Pope has been chosen and will be settling in to his new digs :) Your photo of the Cardinals (and I think the tall chap in front might be a notorious one from Australia, and I never stopped for a moment to think he might have been in contention) reminds me of my first trip to Rome, where I was delighted to find upmarket shops that sold all the gear needed for a life under holy orders. Windows of ancient establishments had on display regulation undergarments and lace choices and all manner of whatnots!
ReplyDeleteHello Pip - I am not sure whether the tall chap was in contention or not as this is not a photo of the actually entry into the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave.
DeleteApparently one of the local tailors who makes the outfit for the Pope when he first emerges has to make three different robes - one for a tubby Pope, an average sized Pope or a thin Pope.
Thank you, Rosemary, for this information about conclave. The time-honored tradition in religion is intriguing. The pronunciation of Conclave sounds similar to the Japanese word “konkurabe”, which means “test of patience” or "endurance game". By chance, the meaning looks explaining the papal conclave, the situation of cardinals detained until the new Pope is chosen. Wish you a lovely May ahead.
ReplyDeleteYoko
That is such a very interesting and thoughtful comment Yoko - thank you - hoping that all is well with you.
DeleteWonderful post and beautiful photos. I wish the new Pope all the best.
ReplyDeleteIt does appear that the new Pope has been well accepted around the world and that he will continue along the lines of the legacy began by Pope Francis. Thank you for your visit Linda.
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