It is unlikely that you wondered why the Pope lives in the Vatican, why he wears this or that type of clothing for various events. We will tell you about everything that is known today about this mysterious figure. We will also answer the question of how to choose the Pope in the Vatican. Smoke is directly related to this. But first things first.
The vatican
It is the smallest independent state in the world. It bears such a pompous title as an auxiliary sovereign territory of the Holy See. Located in the Italian capital, but not surrounded by borders with strict customs officers. Everyone can get to the Vatican. You do not need to open a visa for this.
The square and St. Peter's Basilica and several streets - that’s the whole territory of this small state. However, the Vatican has its own government, army, and Latin is used as the official language.
St. Peter's Basilica
It is logical to assume that the cathedral is the largest building in the entire Vatican. It is located in the square of the same name. Rafael, Michelangelo and other world famous architects and artists worked on its creation. Drinking water beats from the fountains in St. Peter's Square , so tourists can quench their thirst at any time without worrying about its quality.
If you believe the legends, then at the base of the cathedral is the tomb of St. Peter. He was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. You can get inside the cultural monument both with a guided tour and independently. In the second case, the tour will be no less interesting, but less vain. You can not just “run through” all the interesting places, but also quietly sit in the secluded corner of the cathedral of your choice, think about life, listen to a sermon (if you get here during the hours of its holding).
History of the Papacy
It is generally accepted that the first pope and bishop was the apostle Peter, whom we mentioned above. It was he who founded the first Christian school after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. But after a violent fire in Rome, superstitious authorities accused Christians of the fact that the “eternal city” burned down almost to the ground. Peter himself was crucified as the main culprit of what happened.
However, the Christian religion has already tightly entered the life of people, therefore it was impossible to ignore the need for its further development. After all, religion was one of the pillars of ancient society. Bishops began to be given administrative functions, as well as the privileges of secular feudal lords. All this over time strengthened the power of the Catholic Church and the influence of the figure of its head. Do you know how to choose the Pope in the Vatican? Now we will talk about it.
How are the elections
The Pope may leave his post either of his own free will or because of his death. When this place is vacated, the conclave gathers . This is a council consisting of cardinals who do not have the right to discuss the course of elections outside the Sistine Chapel. The chapel itself is completely closed to the public during the election.
A cardinal who is no older than 80 years old can run for the post of Pope. The selection procedure itself is extremely calibrated and clear.
Election procedure
The team that selects the Pope of Rome knows exactly their responsibilities and adheres to all the rules. At the first stage of the election, each cardinal receives a ballot. Even those who are in the infirmary on the voting date receive their voting slip. Further, all who have the right to vote remain in the Sistine Chapel in complete solitude.
They must write the name of the selected candidate on their newsletter in block letters. Everything is arranged so that it was impossible to determine for whom this or that cardinal voted. If after voting the number of leaflets in the ballot box does not coincide with the number of voters, then all ballots are burned without prior reading. For one of the candidates to take the post of head of the Catholic Church, he must gain two-thirds plus one vote.
Talking about how to choose the Pope, we did not explain about the smoke that people around the world expect.
Smoke over the Sistine Chapel
Everyone knows with what trepidation Catholics expect smoke to appear above the building in which the election process for the Pope is taking place. You already know that if they fail to count the ballots, they are all burned. But this is not the only case when they are sent to the fire. For any outcome after the end of voting, each leaf is burned. Until all of them turn into ashes, the conclave has no right to leave the walls of the Sistine Chapel, where they choose the Pope.
It is thanks to this tradition that a thick cloud of smoke appears above it. Several centuries ago, after unsuccessful elections, a bonfire for ballots was made of wet straw. Of course, she was very sweet. That is why the smoke was black. Today, dye is used for these purposes.
Costume
The robes of the Pope have changed more than once over many centuries. The last major innovations his outfit underwent during the reign of Benedict XVI. Many parts of the wardrobe are official. Dad puts them on only in extremely exceptional cases. It is practically impossible for an ordinary layman to see such items of clothing. If we talk about more casual outfits, then the costume of the Pope consists of the following elements:
- Kamauro is a red winter hat that is usually studded with ermine.
- Tiara is a three-tier crown.
- Pileolus is a small traditional white priest hat.
- Miter is the headdress worn by the highest ranks of the Catholic Church during worship.
- Red cloak - traditional outerwear.
- Sutana is a daily vestment.
- Papal red shoes are an element of clothing that has become traditional and has been used for hundreds of years.
- “Fisherman's Ring” - the ring depicts the Apostle Peter, who is considered the first official head of the Catholic Church. In worldly life, Peter was a fisherman, it is in this image that he is depicted on the ring.
It was thanks to these elements of clothing that the image of the supreme bishop became recognizable throughout the world. This is the only way he dresses after the moment when the collective choosing the Pope will approve his candidacy. It can be distinguished from other ministers of the church thanks to a belt with a golden emblem. Only he has the right to put on a similar symbol of power outside the liturgy.
Name selection
The tradition of changing the name for the period of the pontificate appeared in the VI century. After the election, the Pope announces under what name he will rule. If this name was used by one of his predecessors, a serial number is added. The most commonly used names for statistics are Leo, Gregory, Benedict and Innocent. Each of them has been used more than ten times in the history of the papacy.
A strict ban rests only on one name - Peter. Ministers of the Catholic Church do not risk taking the name of the apostle who founded their religion. There is also a prophecy that the Pope named Peter II will be the forerunner of the end of the world.
To date, the 266th Pope rules. His name is Francis.
We examined which authority has the right to choose the Pope.
The most famous faces
There is a whole list that contains the names of the heads of Catholics who distinguished themselves to different degrees from their predecessors and followers. Among them, we chose the most famous.
- John VIII - the Catholic Church refuses to confirm the fact that for some time a woman dominated them. John was the chief physician of her predecessor Leo IV. She learned everything that a real clergyman is supposed to know. Thanks to female cunning and her own courage, she ascended the throne. But her reign was not long at all. The fraud was uncovered, and her followers were long forced to prove their male affiliation in public.
- Innocent VIII - was known for his love of women. According to rumors, he had many illegitimate children, which he easily refused. Also among his "merits" include the beginning of the witch hunt, which appeared in Europe precisely thanks to his decree.
- Paul III - created the Jesuit Order.
- Benedict IX - gained fame thanks to his limitless cruelty and immorality. He was accused of organizing mass orgies and sodomy. Benedict even tried to sell the throne, but later changed his mind and decided to preserve the remnants of his power. Behind him he was called the "Devil in the guise of a priest."
As we see, not all popes were righteous, despite the vows they made. If we take into account that almost three hundred people already held this post, then the few people who had such disgusting habits make up only a very small part. Therefore, the Catholic Church still remains a powerful and unshakable force.
Boundaries of power
How to choose the Pope, we already know. But what is the boundary of this person’s real power? As regards the Catholic Church, then its power is unlimited and exceptional. Any statement by the Pope regarding religion and morality is considered an indisputable truth and cannot be debated.
The way the Pope is chosen is so important to the whole Catholic world. After all, the conclave among all worthy prefers that person whose words will become true for millions of people on the planet.
The secular authority of the Pope comes down to the fact that he is the head of state of the Vatican.
Now you know what the people who choose the Pope are called, what his costume consists of, and whether the election process itself is complicated. Previously, all these nuances were kept in the strictest confidence, but today we can share such information with you without fear of the anger of the Catholic Church. Knowing the intricacies of the election not only increases interest in the extraordinary personality of the pope, but also helps us not to lose touch with history.