o Eucharistic Prayers I and III: delete the words, “your servant N. our Pope and”;
o Eucharistic Prayer II: delete the words, “N. our Pope and”;
o Eucharistic Prayer IV: delete the words, “your servant N. our Pope”.
• It is fitting that the Prayer of the Faithful include a petition for Pope Benedict XVI’s blessing in retirement.
• Benedict XVI will be known Pope Emeritus or (Roman) Pontiff Emeritus. The style before his name is "His Holiness," and he may be addressed as "Your Holiness."
• Photos or portraits of Pope Benedict XVI placed as to suggest he is the reigning Supreme Pontiff (e.g., in churches, parish halls, schools and on websites) should be moved or reconfigured upon his resignation’s becoming effective.
• Forms/documents/templates that mention Benedict XVI as Pope, Supreme Pontiff, etc., should be modified after February 28 to reflect the interregnum.
• Prayers for the College of Cardinals, who will elect Pope Benedict XVI’s successor, may also be added to the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass (see below for examples).
THE CONCLAVE AND ELECTION OF A NEW POPE
During the Conclave:
A conclave ordinarily begins 15-20 days after the Apostolic See becomes vacant, though the College of Cardinals may move up the date of its starting.
• It is fitting that prayers for the College of Cardinals, who will elect Pope Benedict XVI’s successor, be added to the Prayer of the Faithful. Here are three possible prayers:
o That God, our eternal Shepherd and Guide, will in his mercy grant the Church a shepherd who will walk in God’s ways and whose watchful care will bring us the Lord’s blessing. Let us pray to the Lord.
o That the Holy Spirit will grant the Cardinal Electors concern only for the salvation of souls and the light needed to choose a Pope to shepherd the Church with wisdom, courage, and love. Let us pray to the Lord.
o That the Lord may enlighten the Cardinal Electors and make them so likeminded in their task that a speedy, harmonious, and fruitful election of the Pope may take place, as the salvation of souls and the good of the whole People of God demand. Let us pray to the Lord.
• During the conclave the Mass from the Roman Missal, Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions / 1. For Holy Church / 4. For the Election of a Pope or a Bishop may be celebrated, provided that in the Ordo there is a V1, V2, or V3 next to the date. Readings may be taken from the Lectionary, Vol. IV, I. For the Holy Church / 3. For the Election of a Pope or a Bishop, nos. 833-837.
Upon election of a new Pope:
• As soon as it is announced, the name of the new Pope begins to be included in the Eucharistic Prayer.
• Church bells may be rung to announce the election of a new Pope and church signs with changeable letters can announce his election (e.g., “Habemus Papam! Pope
• Church doors may be draped in white and gold/yellow bunting. White and gold/yellow fabric is available in local stores and online. An internet search of “pope election bunting” will provide websites with specially-designed bunting available as well as images of how the bunting is draped.
o In honor of the new Pontiff, please leave the bunting up until his installation/ coronation or for a minimum of one week, whichever is longer.
• The Mass from the Roman Missal, Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions / 1. For Holy Church / 2. For the Pope (Especially on the Anniversary of Election), may be celebrated if there is a V1, V2, or V3 next to the date in the Ordo. Readings may be taken from the Lectionary, Vol. IV, The Common of Pastors, nos. 719-724.
• Photos or portraits of the new Pope should be obtained to display in appropriate places (e.g., in churches, parish halls, schools and on websites).
• Forms/documents/templates that mention the Pope, Supreme Pontiff, etc., should be revised to include the name of the new Pope.
Thanks to Msgr. Dominick Fullam
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