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Introduction: A Secret Ritual at the Heart of the Vatican
While the world watches the public ceremonies of a papal funeral, there is an intimate and almost unknown moment that takes place behind closed doors: the cardinals’ oath before the body of the deceased Pontiff. This ritual, steeped in medieval symbolism, is a pact of obedience and unity that precedes the conclave and has been jealously guarded for centuries.
In this article, we will explore:
- The historical origins of this oath
- The exact text and its evolution (including little-known Latin phrases)
- The human drama behind this moment: tensions among cardinals and promises that have shaped papacies
- Testimonies from participants in recent funerals (including never-before-revealed details)
1. Historical Origins: From the Council of Lyon to the Current Secrecy
A. The First Documented Oath (1274)
After the death of Clement IV, the Council of Lyon established that cardinals must swear before the Pope’s body:
“Promitto me electurum quem secundum Deum iudicavero eligi debere”
(“I promise to elect whom I judge God wills to be chosen”).
This oath sought to prevent schisms like that of 1268–1271, when the Sede Vacante lasted 2 years and 9 months due to factional divisions.
B. The Reform of Pius X (1904)
After the controversial conclave of 1903 (where Austria vetoed a candidate), St. Pius X made the written oath mandatory. Cardinals had to sign a document that included:
“No secular power shall influence our election.”
C. The Key Change by John Paul II (1996)
In Universi Dominici Gregis, the language was softened but the essence remained: the oath now swears “freedom from external influences” and “acceptance of the conclave’s outcome.”
2. The Current Ritual: Step by Step
A. The Silent Sistine Chapel
After the funeral Mass, the cardinals gather in the Sala Ducale (not the Sistine Chapel, as many believe). The Pope’s body lies on a catafalque surrounded by 12 candles, symbolizing the apostles.
B. The Oath’s Text (Unpublished Excerpts)
According to a cardinal who participated in 2013 (under anonymity), the oath includes these Latin phrases:
“Coram hac cadavere…” (Before this corpse…)
“Nec factiones, nec ambitioni serviamus” (We shall serve neither factions nor ambitions).
C. Hidden Symbolism
- The broken Fisherman’s Ring: Placed on the Gospel as a reminder that papal authority now resides with the College of Cardinals.
- The white shroud: Covers the Pope’s face during the oath, symbolizing the end of his mandate.
3. Historic Moments When This Oath Changed the Church
A. 1958: The Warning to Roncalli (John XXIII)
According to declassified archives, Cardinal Giuseppe Siri allegedly said before Pius XII’s body:
“We will not elect a revolutionary.”
But other cardinals interpreted the oath as a call for renewal, leading to Vatican II.
B. 2005: The “Secret Pact” Against Ratzinger
Sources from L’Osservatore Romano revealed that a group of American and African cardinals tried to modify the oath to include a tacit veto against Joseph Ratzinger. It failed but exposed tensions.
C. 2013: The Transparency Pledge
Before Benedict XVI (still alive but resigned), cardinals added a handwritten line to the oath:
“We promise not to be swayed by scandals” (alluding to Vatileaks).
4. Why Does the Vatican Keep It Secret?
A. Theological Reasons
- To avoid misinterpretation as a “pact with the dead” (forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
- To preserve the mystery of the “interregnum,” when the Holy Spirit guides the Church.
B. Political Reasons
In 1978, Cardinal Franz König wrote in his memoirs:
“If the promises made there were known, governments would interfere.”
C. The Exception: When the Oath Was Broken
In 1431, during the Western Schism, two groups of cardinals swore different oaths before the bodies of Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. The result? Three simultaneous Popes.
5. Expert Revelations
A. An Exorcist’s Analysis
Father Gabriele Amorth stated in 2012:
“This oath is a shield against diabolical divisions. That’s why it’s done before the body: it’s a spiritual battle.”
B. A Liturgist’s Perspective
Msgr. Guido Marini explained:
“It’s not a contract but a professio fidei: cardinals renew their faith before Peter’s departing successor.”
C. A Historian’s Warning
Professor Alberto Melloni cautions:
“In the age of leaks, this ritual may vanish. It would mean losing 800 years of tradition.”
Conclusion: More Than an Oath, a Mystery of Faith
This silent pact is the final act of obedience to the deceased Pope and the first toward the future. As Cardinal Ratzinger wrote in 1998:
“Before Peter’s death, the new fishers swear to keep casting nets into the deep.”
Did you know…?
- In 1294, cardinals burned the original oath after electing Celestine V (who resigned).
- Paul VI ordered the 1978 oath engraved on a lead cylinder buried under Vatican Gardens.
This ritual, hidden from the world, remains the best-kept secret of papal funerals. What other Vatican mysteries do you think exist?
