The Sede Vacante Liturgical Norms for Mass and Liturgy of the Hours, etc.

March 1, 2013

Sede Vacante: Liturgical Implications

The retirement of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and the resulting Sede Vacante have several liturgical implications.  Read the original article on evangelium-vitae website.

The first effect of the abdication of Benedict XVI: from Thursday, December 28, at 8:00 pm (Rome), and until the election of his successor, mention of the Pope in the Canon of the Mass should be omitted. In the dioceses also vacant, the mention of the bishop is also omitted.

Moreover, even during Lent, it is permitted to celebrate Mass in parishes "for the election of a pope" which may also be required by any bishop in his diocese, especially during the conclave itself. Except in a diocesan celebration or a large gathering, where you can use the readings of the votive Mass "for the election of the pope," the daily Lenten Lectionary readings and the Preface of Lent are to be used.

Especially during the conclave, it is also possible to celebrate the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit , but the texts of the daily Lectionary are to be used, except in the case of a diocesan celebration or a large gathering. The liturgical color is red however (for the Holy Spirit) and not the purple of Lent.

It is also recommended to add an intention for the election of the new pope in the Universal Prayer ("Prayer of the Faithful") at Mass and Intercessions in the Liturgy of the Hours.

Finally, in places of worship, it is desirable to remove the photo of Benedict XVI , especially if it is exposed to the view of the faithful as the current pope.

After the election of the new pope

At the announcement of the election of the new Pope, it is customary to ring the church bells. From that moment, the name of the new pope is to be included in the Eucharistic Prayer.

In the days that follow, it is also possible to celebrate Mass for the new pope using the form and the readings of the votive Mass "for the Pope," except during Holy Week and the Easter Octave. Again, a diocesan bishop may even require it for his diocese.