World News
Vatican releases 343-page book on rites for every moment of conclave
Published: April 15, 2005
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- To ensure the right atmosphere for the election of a new pope, the Vatican has published a book of rites and prayers to accompany the cardinals as they enter the conclave, vote, elect a new pope and introduce him to the world. The "Ordo Rituum Conclavis" (Rites of the Conclave) prepared by Italian Archbishop Piero Marini, the papal master of liturgical ceremonies, was approved by Pope John Paul II in 1998, but not released until after the pope's death. The 343-page book with prayers in Latin and an Italian translation begins by noting that the election of a pope "is prepared for and takes place with liturgical actions and constant prayer." The election of a pope, it said, "is of supreme importance in the life of the people of God in pilgrimage on earth." The rites of the conclave begin with the public Mass "for the election of the Roman pontiff," which was to be celebrated April 18 in St. Peter's Basilica.
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