Liturgical Events on the Occasion of the Election of a New Pope

Diocese of San José
Liturgical Events on the Occasion of the Election of a New Pope

Bishop Patrick J. McGrath asks that the following be implemented as much as pastorally possible in the parishes and communities of the diocese upon the election of a new Pope.

When the announcement of the election of a new Pope is made:

• Bishop McGrath or his delegate will celebrate a diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph for the new Pope at a date and time to be announced after the election.



• Parishes are asked to celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving for the new Pope soon after his election, using the texts from Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, “#2. For the Pope,” found in the Sacramentary. Readings and psalms can be taken from the Lectionary, vol. IV, “The Common of Pastors,” nos. 720-724. According to the norms of the liturgical calendar, this Mass may be celebrated on any day during the weeks following the election, except on Sundays and Saturday evenings. Bishop McGrath gives permission for churches and communities in the diocese to celebrate this Mass for the Pope on April 25 (Feast of Mark), May 3 (Feast of Philip and James), and May 14 (Feast of Matthias). Note that the Ascension is transferred to Sunday, May 8.



• The suggested general intercessions for the new Pope may be used at these liturgies and at the Sunday Masses following the new Pope’s election. The name of the new Pope should be inserted into the appropriate place in the Eucharistic Prayer at all Masses after the election.



• If Morning and Evening prayer are celebrated, the closing prayer may be taken from the Mass for the Pope on days when there is no obligatory memorial, feast, or solemnity.



• If the parish church has a carillon, it is recommended that the bells peal for an appropriate amount of time upon announcement of the election and at the parish liturgies for the new Pope.



• If black bunting had been used after the death of the Pope, this should be changed to gold and/or white bunting and any temporary memorial display for Pope John Paul II moved to a less prominent place, transferred to a permanent shrine, or removed altogether.