With the beginning of the conclave, the long -awaited announcement of Habemus Papam It becomes imminent. This protocol phrase, loaded with history and symbolism, will mark the moment in which the new Pope is officially announced.
To get to that point, 133 Cardinals are gathered in a rigorous and strictly secret choice processwith the aim of designating the following Supreme Pontiff.
The choice of Peter’s successor keeps the world in expectation, waiting for the moment when the bells of Rome break the silence and the Fumata Blanca announce the end of the conclave. That moment will seal the choice of 267 Pope in the history of the Catholic Church and give way to the emblematic phrase: Habemus Papam.
From the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro, in a solemn act and loaded with tradition, the religious authorities will proclaim the new leader of the Catholic Church. They will do it with the Latin formula: Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus Papam!which announces to the world the choice of the Supreme Pontiff.
What does it mean Habemus Papam?
When one of the 133 voters obtains two thirds of the votes – that is, at least 89 votes – the White Smay will be issued, a sign that marks the start of the official protocol to announce the new Pope.
Before thousands of faithful gathered in the Plaza de San Pedro and a global audience through live broadcasts, the name of the new Pontiff will be revealed from the Vatican.
According to Catholic News Agency, the expression Habemus Papam It is translated into Spanish as “we have Pope”, a formula that concludes the election process and opens a new stage in the history of the Church.
With this announcement the apostolic leadership of the Holy See is restored, a tradition that dates back to the fifteenth century. As he points out National Geographicthe phrase has been used since then to briefly proclaim the new pontiff before the world.
This announcement is made in ecclesiastical Latin, official language of the Holy See. Although it is not the classic Latin, it is the liturgical language used in official, encyclical documents, solemn masses and throughout the conclave processaccording to official Vatican portals.
The full formula of the ad
The announcement of the new Pope follows this complete formula in Latin:
Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum: Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum dominum: [Nombre de pila] Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardalem: [Apellido]qui sibi nomen impossible: [Nombre papal elegido].
His Spanish translation, according to the Catholic News Agencyis:
I announce great joy: We have Pope! The very eminent and reverend Lord: [Nombre]Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church: [Apellido]who has chosen to be called: [Nombre papal].
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Why is this phrase said?
This formula is inspired by the Gospel of Saint Luke 2, 10-12, where the angel announces the birth of Jesus:
Do not be afraid, because I bring you good news, which will be a reason for great joy for all: I was born today, in the city of David, a Savior, which is the Messiah, the Lord.
This Latin announcement dates back to 1417, when Pope Martín V was proclaimed, marking the end of the Schism of the West and restoring the unity of the Church.
Who is in charge of proclaiming it?
The official announcement is made by the Protodiácono of the Cardenalicio College, a title that corresponds to the cardinal of greater rank within the diaconal order. According to the Canon Law Code, only he can proclaim if he is present in the Vatican.
For this occasion, the announcement will be in charge of Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, who will be in charge of pronouncing in Latin the phrase that will proclaim the new 267. Pope of the Catholic Church.
This act can only be carried out after three conditions are met: the official choice of the new Pontiff, the issuance of the White Smoking and the bells of the Basilica of San Pedro.