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Skriven 2006-12-11 20:44:28 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

EXHIBITION ON PONTIFICAL ELECTIONS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2006 (VIS) - In the Lateran Apostolic Palace this evening,
Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. inaugurated an exhibition
entitled: "Habemus Papam. Pontifical elections from St. Peter to Benedict XVI."

The exhibition includes a broad selection of works of art from collections in
the Vatican and in Rome and, as the cardinal pointed out, "has been conceived
in such a manner as, on the one hand, to offer as complete a vision as possible
of the historical development of conclaves while, on the other, not failing to
highlight the mysterious action of God Who, through His Providence, guides the
journey of the Church, which is founded upon Peter and his legitimate
successors."

"The outstanding value of this exhibition, which falls on the 500th anniversary
of St. Peter's Basilica and the foundation of the Vatican Museums," said the
cardinal, "is that it helps us understand how, though through circumstances at
times marked by human frailty and political interest, the choice of Supreme
Pontiffs is always guided by Him, the Lord. Christ, with the strength of His
Spirit, leads the Church, entrusting her to His vicar on earth, the Pope,
'servant of the servants.' And the Pope - even when intrigue, subterfuge and
conflict seemed to prevail - has never failed in his mission."

"Despite its shadows, then, the history of the Church is a history of faith,
love and zeal" said the secretary of State. Such events as papal funerals and
conclaves, he added, make us aware of "how great a contribution to the life of
the Church so many ecclesiastics have made," and of "the participation, charged
with strong spiritual emotion, of Christian people."

Cardinal Bertone then went on to consider changes to the structure of conclaves
over the centuries, affirming that "from the Constitution 'Ubi periculum' of
1274 to today the concern has always been to prevent external influence in the
election of the one whom God chooses to guide His people. ... Ceremonies and
practices reflecting cultures and customs of yesterday have now disappeared.
What remains unchanged is the essential part of the ministry of Peter's
Successor and, in this sense, the conclave represents a moment of great
importance."
SS/EXHIBITION PONTIFFS/BERTONE VIS 061211 (380)

SUMMARY

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