Camerlingue

The camerlingue of the Holy Roman Church is the cardinal placed at the head of the apostolic Chambre, service of the Roman Curie charged with the temporal goods of the the Holy See during the vacancy of the pontifical capacity, in accordance with the provisions of the apostolic Constitution Universi dominici gregis on the vacancy of the apostolic seat and the election of the Roman Pontife.

History

The camerlingue probably replaced the archdeacon of the Holy Church Roman, removed by Gregoire VII at the 11th century or the vestararius who had the guard of the invaluable objects of the Holy See.

This function goes back to or.

The camerarius had the direction of all that related to finances and the temporal resources of the papacy under consideration like supreme government of the Church. He was the first character of the entourage of the pope and its capacity very quickly extended to a vast domain, jusu' so that, ceasing filling its loads indeed, its influence decreased, the title becoming honorary apart from the vacancy of the Roman Seat.

In the papal ceremonies, it filled an office in connection with its attributions. It is him which got to the pope the currency intended for the thirteen poor of which the feet were washed the Maundy Thursday, and who presented to him, in a money cut, that intended for the cardinals the day of crowning.

It accepted Urbain V the mission of remarking the sorrows related against the pirates and the brigands who attacked the goods of the Church, and of Urbain VI the jurisdiction to all the causes which were attached to the apostolic Chambre.

For the 15th century, the title of camerligho was substituted for that of camerarius .

Sixte IV entrusted to him the responsibility of the businesses concerning the tangible property of the town of Rome, and Paul III ordered with all the civils servant of Rome and the Papal States obedience with the camerlingue.

At the end of the 16th century, Clément VIII brought a moderation to its capacities and in second half of the 17th century, it is presented like chairing the apostolic Chambre, but in rather honorary manner, the real functions being ensured by the particular listener and the general treasurer.

Designation

Recommended in consistory, it lends oath to the Pape after this ceremony and receives from him a gold cane, badge of its load.

In the event of vacancy of the load, which was the case with died of Pie XII, the cardinals present at Rome must elect new.

The camerlingue is assisted of vice-camerlingue.

During the vacancy of the Roman Seat, the camerlingue stamp its weapons of the pontifical house and keys.

Functions during the vacancy of the apostolic Seat

As soon as it received the news of died of Sovereign pontiff, the camerlingue:
  • notes officially the death of the Pape in the presence of the Master of the pontifical liturgical Celebrations, the prelates clerks and the secretary and chancellor of the apostolic Room, which writes the authentic death certificate;
  • publicly destroys the Anneau of the Fisherman;
  • affixes the seals at the office and with the room of the Pape, by making sure that the personnel which usually lies in the private apartment can remain there until after the burial of the pope, at the moment when all the pontifical apartment will be put under seals;
  • informs of dead the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, which announces the news with the Roman people by a special declaration, and the Cardinal Archpriest of the Basilica vaticane;
  • takes possession of the apostolic Palate of the Vatican and, personally or by a delegate, Palates of Lateran and Castel Gandolfo of which it ensures the guard and the government;
  • determines, after having consulted the Cardinals chiefs of the three orders, all that relates to the burial of the pope;
  • authorizes the photographs of the late Pontiff, but only if the skin is covered pontifical clothing.
  • day before, with the name and with the assent of the Collège of the cardinals, with all that is necessary to defend the rights of the apostolic Seat and to ensure its good administration.

After the burial of the pope, a delegate of the cardinal camerlingue writes an official report of this burial, in the presence of the members of the apostolic Room.

He returns then to the camerlingue, during the sedisvacance, to take care of the administration of the goods and the temporal rights of the Holy See, with the assistance of the three Cardinals assistants, after having obtained, once for the less important questions and each time for most serious, the vote of the College of the Cardinals.

The camerlingue or its delegate has in particular the right and the duty to require of all the administrations depending on the the Holy See the reports/ratios on their patrimonial and economic situation and information on the extraordinary businesses in progress, and in addition to obtain prefecture of the Economic affairs the general assessment of the expenditure of the previous year and the projected budget of the following year. These reports/ratios are submitted to the Collège of the cardinals.

Holders of the load

Notes and references of the article

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