Benedict’s serious illness raises questions about pope emeritus protocols

In the various universities of the prerature, he said, “once the exercise of university powers, such as judicial and administrative powers, was waived, collective powers and privileges were retained even if jurisdiction was no longer exercised.” .
And so will the Pope Emeritus, who “no longer exercises authority but retains collective and privilege,” and therefore a white cassock, he said.
Although no fixed ceremonial structure exists for an honorary pope’s funeral, San Quirico believes the event is most likely to be celebrated “with features reserved for the reigning pope.” A coin for the Pope, and a medal for the Pope.”
Similarly, “The pope was buried like a pope, i.e. in the caves of the Vatican, and the place where the tomb of John Paul II was was already indicated before he was canonized and the tomb moved to the next place.” It would have been,” he said. Basilica. ”

Missing, he noted, were “the elements associated with the papal transfer of power and thus with the opening of the vacancy.”
In particular, the Secretary of State does not relinquish his office as if the sitting Pope dies. For this reason, San Chirico explained that it could be expected that it would be the State Department to announce the obituaries of the Pope Emeritus, possibly using the official channel of communication, the Vatican Press.
In connection, condolences “should be addressed to the Pope through the Secretary of State,” Msgr. said.
Why shouldn’t you send your condolences directly to the Pope?
San Chirico says, “This public aspect is due to the fact that the Secretary of State is today mistakenly thought of as the Pontifical Secretariat, but in 1973 it was entrusted to the Pontifical Secretariat for centuries. It is forgotten that it absorbed the mandate of the Apostolic Chamber, an institution that was founded on The public correspondence of Diccary of the Holy Headquarters, such as the Bishop’s Appointment Bull.
Other ceremonial details, such as arrangements for the head of state wishing to attend the funeral, remain an open question, Monsignor acknowledged.
And what about the “Novendiali”, the nine days of mourning after the Pope’s death?

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The Novendiali consist of a series of solemn Masses for the repose of the Pope’s soul, beginning with the Pope’s Funeral Mass, and precede the General Assembly or Pre-Conclave.
Regardless of whether Novendiari is observed in Benedict’s case, his funeral takes place within a few days after his death. As with other ritual details surrounding the death of Pope Emeritus, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.