Papal Rites And Rituals

5 Pages 1217 Words

Title: “Papal Rites and Rituals of Death”
Exact Purpose: After hearing my speech the audience will be made well aware of the
Series of events that must take place in the Roman Catholic Church after the death of a Pope.
INTRODUCTION
Attention- getter: Since the Saturday of April 2nd 2005 we have been witnessing history in the making! The death of Pope John Paul II has set off a series of rites and rituals that have existed since the founding of the Roman Catholic Church.
Credibility: I am and have always been a practicing Roman Catholic, which gives me some experience with in the church. Too add to my credibility I also happen to be a History major and I am currently enrolled in a class that has a focus on the history of religion.
Audience motivation: The topic I am addressing today happens to be a current event. In the world we are living in today it is extremely important to have a comprehensive understanding of the events going on around us even if it does not have a direct effect on us.
Purpose: The three main points I would like to cover today about these rituals are:
Preview: 1) The rituals that take place at the moment of a Pontiff’s death.
2) The lying in state, funeral, and nine day mourning period that surrounds the death of a Pope.
3) Papal election. How it works, what events take place, and what occurs when a new Pontiff is elected.

BODY
I. What rituals have taken place in the past and will take place in the present at the moment of a Pope’s death

A. In Medieval times the Camerlengo (papal chief of staff) was to tap the Pontiff’s forehead three times with a small silver hammer. Each time he was to call out the childhood name of the Pope. When no response occurs the Camerlengo formally declares the Pontiff dead and fills out a death certificate.
B. The tapping of the Pope’s forehead was done in the past due to the lack of modern medicine. The church now keeps with...