Ordo Rituum Conclavis
The election of the Roman Pontiff
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INFORMATIVE NOTE
7. The third chapter indicates the acts that must be performed during the sessions for the Election of the Roman Pontiff according to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. The sessions begin and end with specific prayers, according to the formulas proposed in the Appendix (see below).
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47. During the Conclave, each day, the Cardinal electors, under the guidance of the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, will appropriately recite together some parts of the Liturgy of the Hours, especially Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer.
They will concelebrate or celebrate Mass in the Chapel of the Casa di Santa Marta or in the Sistine Chapel, or in another suitable place, as deemed appropriate, according to the rubrics, also using the Mass formulas provided in the Appendix (Texts of the Votive Masses).
48. Before proceeding to vote and count the votes, the Cardinal electors will listen to the Word of God and pray fervently to the Lord, using the formulas provided in the Appendix (see below; Prayer before Voting).
49. The election of the Roman Pontiff will be carried out in perfect observance of the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
50. The preparation and distribution of the ballots will be carried out by the Masters of Ceremonies, who will give at least two or three to each Cardinal elector.
51. During the voting, only the Cardinal electors must remain in the Sistine Chapel; therefore, immediately after the ballots are distributed, before the electors begin writing on them, the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, and the Masters of Ceremonies must leave the room.
52. Each Cardinal elector, in order of precedence, after writing and folding his ballot, holding it up so that it is visible, carries it to the altar, near which the Scrutineers stand and on which there is an urn covered by a plate to collect the ballots. Upon reaching the altar, the Cardinal elector pronounces the following oath:
Testor Christum Dominum,
qui me iudicaturus est,
me eum eligere,
quem secundum Deum
iudico eligi debere.
I call Christ the Lord,
who will judge me, as my witness,
that my vote is given to the one whom,
in God's opinion,
I believe should be elected.
He then places his ballot on the plate and inserts it into the urn. Having done this task, he bows to the altar and returns to his seat.
53. If any of the Cardinal electors present in the Chapel are unable to go to the altar because they are ill, the last of the Scrutineers approaches them and, after taking the aforementioned oath, hands the folded ballot to the same Scrutineer, who carries it clearly visible to the altar and, without taking the oath, places it on the plate and inserts it into the urn.
54. If there are any Cardinals who are ill in their rooms, the three Infirmarii go to them with a box, carrying out all the procedures prescribed for this circumstance in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
55. Once all the operations relating to the election have been completed and the Auditors have verified the ballots, whether the election has taken place or not, before the Cardinal electors leave the Sistine Chapel, all the ballots are burned by the Scrutineers, with the assistance of the Secretary of the College and the Masters of Ceremonies, summoned in the meantime by the last Cardinal Deacon.
56. If, however, a second vote must be held immediately, the ballots from the first vote will be burned only at the end, together with those from the second vote.
To ensure greater security for secrecy, any writings the Cardinals may have in their possession must also be burned.
57. Each election session concludes with a brief act of thanksgiving and an invocation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the texts proposed in the Appendix (see below; Prayers after the Voting and Antiphons to the Blessed Virgin Mary).
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Prayer before voting
96. I
The Presider:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Appropriately, a short reading from the Word of God is done.
The Reader:
Audíte, fratres, verba Pauli apóstoli, ad Corínthios: 1, 1, 10-13
Listen, brothers, to the words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians.
A short pause of silence follows.
The Presider:
Fratres caríssimi:
Spíritum Sanctum,
qui univérsum mundum replet,
fidénter deprecémur,
ut hoc die nobis adsit lucísque suæ lúmine collústret.
Una ergo voce exorémus, dicéntes:
Let us pray with confidence to the Holy Spirit,
who fills the whole world,
that he may assist us this day
and enlighten us with his light.
Together let us pray, saying:
Veni, Sancte Spíritus.
R. Veni, Sancte Spíritus.
Come, Holy Spirit.
R. Come, Holy Spirit.
1. Honor Deo sit et glória, Patri nostro, qui in Christo Jesu nobis vitam donávit,
- ac Spirítui Sancto, qui eam in mundo rénovat, laudem concinámus.
Honour and glory be to God, our Father, who in Christ Jesus has given us life;
- and to the Holy Spirit, who renews it throughout the world. Let us raise our hymn of praise.
2. Sancte Spíritus, ómnium donórum dispensátor, qui lucem ex Ecclésia effúndis, tríbue nobis quibus egémus sapiéntiam et prudéntiam;
- Dei osténde voluntátem, Ecclésiæ itineri in ævum assiste.
Holy Spirit, giver of every good gift, whose light shines forth from the Church, grant us the wisdom and prudence that we need;
- show us the will of God and guide your Church along her path into the future.
3. Sancte Spíritus, tua ducti ope, tua repléti sapiéntia, Apóstoli divína mystéria penetrárunt et ad fidem pagános adduxérunt;
- lucem tuam da nobis et virtútem, ut eórum óperam continuémus.
Holy Spirit, the Apostles, strengthened by your help and filled with your wisdom, penetrated the divine mysteries and brought the nations to the obedience of faith;
- grant us your light and your strength that we may continue their work.
4. Sancte Spíritus, tuórum suffúlti donórum largitáte ómnium natiónum linguas Apóstoli locúti sunt;
- præsta ut cuncti pópuli unum Evangélii núntium suscipiant unáque te vocem laudent.
Holy Spirit, sustained by the abundance of your gifts, the Apostles spoke in the tongues of all peoples;
- grant that all nations may receive the Gospel, the one message of salvation, and with one voice give you praise.
Pater noster...
Deus, cui omne cor patet et omnis volúntas lóquitur
et quem nullum latet secrétum,
purifica per infusiónem Spíritus Sancti
cogitatiónes cordis nostri,
ut te perfécte diligere et digne laudáre mereámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
O God, to whom every heart lies open,
every desire speaks plainly, and from whom no secret is hidden,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
that we may love you perfectly
and worthily proclaim your praise.
Through Christ our Lord.
97. II
The Presider:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Appropriately, a short reading from the Word of God is done.
The Reader:
Audíte, fratres, verba Pauli apóstoli, ad Romanos: 8, 26-27
Listen, brothers, to the words of the apostle Paul to the Romans.
A short pause of silence follows.
The Presider:
Fratres caríssimi:
Adprecémur simul Deum Patrem,
Filium ac Sanctum Spíritum,
ut dóciles simus ad eius voluntátem perfécte adimpléndam,
ad glóriam Sanctæ Trinitátis,
in bonum Ecclésiæ et pro totíus mundi salúte.
Dicámus fidénter:
Dearly beloved brethren,
let us pray together to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
that we may carry out obediently
and perfectly his holy will,
for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity,
for the good of the Church,
and for the salvation of the whole world.
Let us say with confidence:
Exáudi, Dómine.
R. Exáudi, Dómine.
Lord, hear our prayer.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
1. Pater Sancte, largire nobis Spíritum Sanctum tuum, ut oráre sciámus sicut oportet; ipse infirmitáti nostræ subvéniat,
- et in nobis ipse oret, secúndum beneplácitum tuum.
Holy Father, grant us your Holy Spirit, that we may know how to pray as we ought; may he himself come to the aid of our weakness
- and intercede within us according to your will.
2. Dómine Iesu, Fili Dei unigénite, qui Patrem rogásti, ut Spíritum veritátis in Ecclésiam mítteret,
- fac ut ipse sit semper nobiscum.
Lord Jesus, Only Begotten Son of God, who prayed to the Father to send upon your Church the Spirit of truth,
- grant that he may remain always with us.
3. Spíritus Dei Creatóris, qui in Ecclésiam descendísti ut eam sanctificáres,
- fac nos fructus ferre caritátis, gáudii et pacis.
Spirit of God, Creator, who descended upon the Church to sanctify her,
- grant that we may bear the fruits of charity, joy, and peace.
Pater noster...
Deus Pater, qui, Verbum veritátis
et Spíritum sanctificatiónis mittens in mundum,
admirábile mystérium tuum homínibus declarásti,
da nobis, in confessióne veræ fidei,
ætérnæ glóriam Trinitátis agnóscere,
et Unitátem adoráre in potentia maiestátis.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
O God the Father, who sent into the world
your Son, the Word of truth, and the Sanctifier, the Holy Spirit,
to reveal to mankind the mystery of your life,
grant, we pray, that, in professing the true faith,
we may acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.
Through Christ our Lord.
98. III
The Presider:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Appropriately, a short reading from the Word of God is done.
The Reader:
Audíte, fratres, verba Pauli apóstoli, ad Galatas: 5, 18. 22-25
Listen, brothers, to the words of the apostle Paul to the Galatians.
A short pause of silence follows.
The Presider:
Fratres caríssimi:
Deum Patrem, Filium ac Sanctum Spiritum
simul deprecémur,
ut dóciles simus ad eius voluntátem perfécte adimpléndam,
ad glóriam Sanctæ Trinitátis,
et pro totíus mundi salúte.
in bonum Ecclésiæ
Dicamus fidénter:
Dearly beloved brethren,
let us pray together to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
that we may carry out docilely and perfectly his will,
to the glory of the Most Holy Trinity,
for the good of the Church
and the salvation of the whole world.
Let us say with confidence:
Exáudi, Dómine.
R. Exáudi, Dómine.
Lord, hear our prayer.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
1. Deus, Pater omnipotens, qui Spíritum Fílii tui ad nos misísti, ut te "Abba" Patrem vocáre possémus,
- præsta ut, eius ope et virtute, Christi veri fratres et coherédes efficiámur.
God, almighty Father, who sent to us the Spirit of your Son, that we might call you “Abba, Father,”
- grant that, with his help and by his power, we may become true brothers and sisters and coheirs with Christ.
2. Dómine Iesu Christe, qui surrexísti a mórtuis, et Paráclitum Spíritum misísti, ut tibi testimónium rédderet,
- concéde ut ipse dignos nos fáciat, qui cunctis hominibus Evangélium nuntiémus.
Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead and sent the Paraclete Spirit to bear witness to you,
- grant that he may make us worthy to proclaim the Gospel to all people.
3. Spíritus Patris et Fílii, qui ad nos venísti, ut in córdibus nostris inhabitáres,
- præsta ut únici Dei vivéntis templum efficiámur.
Spirit of the Father and of the Son, who came to dwell within our hearts,
- grant that we may become a temple of the one living God.
4. Spíritus Sancte, ómnia vivíficans, per quem corpus Ecclésiæ animátur, régitur et sanctificátur, in síngulis Ecclésiæ membris benígnus inhábita,
- ut novíssimo die mortalibus nostris corpóribus vitam restítuas.
Holy Spirit, who give life to all things and animate, govern, and sanctify the Body of the Church, come graciously to dwell in each of her members,
- that on the last day you may restore life to our mortal bodies.
Pater noster...
Deus, Pater omnipotens,
illo nos igne Spíritus Sanctus inflámmet,
quem Dóminus noster Iesus Christus misit in terram
et vóluit vehementer accéndi;
fac ut primórdia prædicatiónis apostólicæ
adhuc renovéntur in vita nostra.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Almighty God and Father,
may the Holy Spirit inflame us with that fire
which our Lord Jesus Christ cast upon the earth
and so earnestly desired to see enkindled;
grant that in our lives there may be renewed the wonders
that marked the beginnings of the preaching of the Gospel.
Through Christ our Lord.
99. IV
The Presider:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Appropriately, a short reading from the Word of God is done.
The Reader:
Audíte, fratres, verba epistolæ ad Hebræos: 4, 14-16
Listen, brothers, to the words of the letter to the Hebrews.
A short pause of silence follows.
The Presider:
Fratres caríssimi:
Sciéntes credéntium preces gratas esse
et efficáces apud Dóminum,
álii pro áliis rogémus,
et quia ille promísit se in médio nostrum futúrum,
supplicémus,
ut in conspéctu eius vívere et eum fidéliter sequi valeámus.
Dicámus omnes:
Dearly beloved brethren,
knowing that the prayers of the faithful
are pleasing and efficacious before the Lord,
let us pray for one another;
and since he has promised to be in our midst,
let us ask him with humble supplication
that we may live in his presence and follow him faithfully.
Together let us say
Mane nobíscum, Dómine.
R. Mane nobíscum, Dómine.
Remain with us, Lord.
R. Remain with us, Lord.
1. Dómine Iesu, Ecclésiam tuam iúgiter gubérna et dirige, qui eius es únicus Pastor et Salvátor; dona ei Spíritum et virtútem;
- auge in nobis intellegéntiam mystériorum redemptiónis tuæ.
Lord Jesus, ever govern and guide your Church, for you are her one Shepherd and Savior; grant her your Spirit and your power,
- and increase in us an ever deeper understanding of the mysteries of your redemption.
2. Necessitátibus Ecclésiæ tuæ sollicite súbveni;
- rémove benígnus a pópulo tuo spíritum divisiónis, scándala, omnésque pseudoprophétas et seductóres.
Come swiftly to the aid of your Church in her needs;
- graciously drive far from your people the spirit of division, scandals, and all false prophets and deceivers.
3. Fac, ut omnes qui procul abiérunt felíciter rédeant,
- et navitátem pro Ecclésia et hóminum societáte pérgere váleant.
Grant that all who have departed for distant places may return in safety and joy,
- and may continue their work for the Church and for human society.
Pater noster...
Spíritus tuus, quæsumus, Dómine lesu,
spiritália nobis dona poténter infúndat,
ut nobis quæ tibi sint plácita, discérnere concédat
et aptet nos tuæ propítius voluntáti.
Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.
May your Spirit, O Lord Jesus,
powerfully pour forth his gifts into our hearts;
grant that we may discern what is pleasing to you
and, in your goodness, be disposed to accomplish your will.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
100. V
The Presider:
In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Appropriately, a short reading from the Word of God is done.
The Reader:
Audíte, fratres, verba Petri apostoli: 1, 1. 16-19
Listen, brothers, to the words of Peter the apostle.
A short pause of silence follows.
The Presider:
Fratres caríssimi:
Dóminum Iesum rogémus,
Ecclésiæ caput et históriæ magistrum,
ut suo Spíritu nobis adsit.
Eum toto corde invocémus, dicéntes:
Dearly beloved brethren,
let us pray to the Lord Jesus,
Head of the Church and Lord of history,
that he may assist us with his Spirit.
Let us invoke him with all our heart, saying:
Mane nobíscum, Dómine.
R. Mane nobíscum, Dómine.
Remain with us, Lord.
R. Remain with us, Lord.
1. Serva nos omnésque Episcopos Ecclésiæ tuæ
- in obædiéntia erga evangélicam veritátem et in sanctitáte vitæ.
Keep us and all the Bishops of your Church
- in obedience to the truth of the Gospel and in holiness of life.
2. Effúnde super nos Spíritum tuum, nobis humilitátem largíre propítius, et præsta, ut invicem subiecti simus in amóre tuo,
- ut nostræ fraternitátis únitas sit sine fictióne.
Pour out your Spirit upon us; grant us humility, and make us subject to one another in your love,
- so that the unity of our brotherhood may be sincere.
3. Serva nos in pace cum ómnibus hominibus; præsta nobis virtútem qua maledicéntibus nobis benedicámus,
- et illis qui odérunt nos benefácere valeamus.
Keep us at peace with all people; grant us the grace to bless those who curse us
- and to do good to those who hate us.
Pater noster...
Ecclésiæ tuæ, Dómine Iesu, concéde propítius,
ut Sancto Spíritu congregáta,
toto sit corde tibi devóta,
et pura voluntáte concórdet.
Qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.
Lord Jesus, graciously grant to your Church,
gathered together in the Holy Spirit,
that she may be faithful to you with all her heart
and cleave to you with purity of intention.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
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101. Short Prayer before voting
In nómine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.
R. Amen.
All:
Veni, Sancte Spíritus,
reple tuórum corda fidélium,
et tui amóris in eis ignem accende,
qui gentes linguis diversas,
in unitáte fidei congregásti.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
You who, through the diversity of human tongues,
gather the peoples into the unity of the one faith.
Orémus.
Let us pray.
All pray in silence for a brief time.
Mentes nostras, quæsumus, Dómine,
Paráclitus qui a te procédit illúminet,
et, sicut tuus promisit Fílius,
indúcat in omnem veritátem.
Qui vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.
May the Consoler Spirit who proceeds from you,
O Father, enlighten our minds
and, according to the promise of your Son,
lead us into all truth.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Or:
Sancti Spíritus, Dómine,
corda nostra mundet infúsio,
et sui roris intima aspersióne fecúndet.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Lord God, almighty and merciful,
may the Holy Spirit, poured forth into our hearts,
purify them and make them fruitful
by the dew of his grace.
Through Christ our Lord.
Or:
Deus, qui Apóstolis tuis Sanctum dedisti Spiritum,
concéde plebi tuæ petitiónis efféctum,
ut, quibus dedisti fidem, largiáris et pacem.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
O God, who bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles,
graciously hear the prayers of your people,
and grant peace also to those to whom you have given the gift of faith.
Through Christ our Lord.
Or:
Præsta, quæsumus, omnipotens Deus,
ut Spíritus Sanctus advéniens,
templum nos glóriæ suæ inhabitándo perficiat.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Almighty and merciful Father,
grant that the Holy Spirit
may dwell within us
and make of us a temple of his glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
Or:
Da, quæsumus, Ecclésiæ tuæ, omnipotens Deus,
ut, a Sancto Spíritu congregáta,
hostíli nullátenus incursióne turbétur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Almighty God,
grant that your Church, gathered together by the Holy Spirit,
may never be troubled by the assaults of the enemy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Or:
Méntibus nostris, quæsumus, Dómine,
Spíritum Sanctum benígnus infúnde,
cuius et sapiéntia cónditi sumus,
et providéntia gubernámur.
Per Christum Dóminum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Pour forth graciously, O Lord,
the Holy Spirit into our hearts;
for by his wisdom we were created,
and by his providence we are guided.
Through Christ our Lord.
102. "Adsumus" Prayer
Adsumus, Domine Sancte Spiritus, adsumus peccati quidem immanitate detenti, sed in nomine tuo specialiter congregati.
Veni ad nos et esto nobiscum et dignare illabi cordibus nostris.
Doce nos quid agamus, quo gradiamur et ostende quid efficere debeamus, ut, te auxiliante, tibi in omnibus placere valeamus.
Esto solus suggestor et effector iudiciorum nostrorum, qui solus cum Deo Patre et eius Filio nomen possides gloriosum.
Non nos patiaris perturbatores esse iustitiae qui summam diligis aequitatem. Non in sinistrum nos ignorantia trahat, non favor inflectat, non acceptio muneris vel personae corrumpat.
Sed iunge nos tibi efficaciter solius tuae gratiae dono, ut simus in te unum et in nullo deviemus a vero; quatenus in nomine tuo collecti, sic in cunctis teneamus cum moderamine pietatis iustitiam, ut et hic a te in nullo dissentiat sententia nostra et in futurum pro bene gestis consequamur praemia sempiterna.
Amen.
We have come, O Lord, Holy Spirit, we have come before you, hampered indeed by our many and grievous sins, but for a special purpose gathered together in your name.
Come to us, be with us, and enter our hearts.
Teach us what we are to do and what ought to concern us; show us what we must accomplish, in order that, with your help, we may be able to please you in all things.
May you alone be the author and the finisher of our judgments, who alone with God the Father and his Son possess a glorious name.
Do not allow us to disturb the order of justice, you who love equity above all things. Let not ignorance draw us into devious paths. Let not partiality sway our minds or respect of riches or persons pervert our judgment.
But unite our hearts to you by the gift of your grace alone, that we may be one in you and never forsake the truth; as we are gathered together in your name, so may we in all things hold fast to justice tempered by mercy, that in this life our judgment may never be at variance with you and in the life to come we may attain to everlasting rewards for deeds well done.
Amen.
103. Veni, Sancte Spiritus
Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
et emitte caelitus
lucis tuae radium.
Veni, pater pauperum,
veni, dator munerum,
veni, lumen cordium.
Consolator optime,
dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium.
In labore requies,
in aestu temperies,
in fletu solacium.
O lux beatissima,
reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.
Sine tuo numine,
nihil est in homine
nihil est innoxium.
Lava quod est sordidum,
riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.
Flecte quod est rigidum,
fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.
Da tuis fidelibus,
in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.
Da virtutis meritum,
da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium.
Amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor!
Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best;
You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labour, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of yours,
And our inmost being fill!
Where you are not, we have naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour your dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away:
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore
And confess you, evermore
In your sevenfold gift descend:
Give them virtue’s sure reward;
Give them your salvation, Lord;
Give them joys that never end.
Prayers after the Voting
104. BRIEF THANKSGIVING
All:
Agimus tibi grátias, omnipotens Deus,
pro univérsis beneficiis tuis
qui vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R. Amen.
We give you thanks
for all your benefits, almighty God.
Who live and reign for ever and ever.
105. ANTIPHONS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
SUB TUUM PRÆSIDIUM
Or:
ALMA, REDEMPTORIS MATER
Or:
AVE, REGINA CÆLORUM
Or:
AVE MARIA
Or:
SALVE REGINA
106. ANGELUS DOMINI
107. REGINA COELI
