Dominique Mamberti It is the protodiácono of the Cardenalicio College and will be in charge of pronouncing the famous “¡We have a pope!“(We have Pope!) On the balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro, once the conclave chooses the next bishop of Rome.
The designation for this role occurred in July 2024, for being The oldest cardinal in the Order of Deacons -A of the three branches of the cardinals, along with the bishops and presbyters.
It was also the cardinal who offered the ninth and last mass (closing the nine days of mourning) for the papa Francisco. “I was close to him on Easter Day. I witnessed his suffering, But above all of his courage and his determination to serve the people of God until the end, ”said Mamberti.
Born in Morocco, of French parents, Mamberti (73 years) joined the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1986 and is known for his long experience in the International Relationsa key aspect for Francisco’s papacy.
Served in the pontifical representations in Latin America, Africa, Middle East, United Nations, and in the section for relations with the states of the Secretary of State.
In 2006 he was appointed as secretary for relations with the states of the Secretary of State for Benedict XVIposition he held until mid -January 2015. That year, Francisco He raised it to the cardinal.
In 2014, Francisco had appointed him prefect of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Signature -A mainly judicial role within the internal government of the Catholic Church- in replacement of the Cardinal Raymond Burkethe president’s favorite candidate Donald Trump For the Vatican.
Diplomatic and low profile, it has not ruled as much as other cardinals on social or doctrinal issues.
However, he is known for being a firm defender of the right to life, The dignity of human life and Catholic moral education in general.
In January 2013, Mamberti granted an interview with Vatican radio in which he defended the right to a consciousness clause For Christian businessmen who They will refuse to provide homosexual services. He has also expressed his opposition to the growing secularism.
There are 133 cardinals with the right to vote in the ConclaveMamberti included, which must be under 80 years. The conclave will begin on May 7, the cardinals will stay in the Santa Marta Residence -Due had chosen to live Francisco- and will vote in the Sistine Chapel.
During the conclave, the cardinals will not be able to communicate in any way with the outside, not even read newspapers or watch television. And the personnel who work both in Santa Marta and the Sistine chapel You must swear Save absolute secret Especially what he sees and hears, under penalty of excommunication.
He Conclave It usually lasts between two and five days: the first day there is a vote; The following days are made in the morning and two in the afternoon. To choose the Pope, they are required The votes of two thirds of the voters cardinals.
If the required majority are not reached, the ballots are drilled, they are tied with a thread and They burn in a stove installed in the Sistine Chapel. For the black smoke A dye composed of potassium, anthracene and sulfur perchlorate is used.
If a candidate obtains at least two thirds, the dean will ask him in Latin: “Do you accept your choice, canonically made, as high pontiff?”. After the affirmative answer, he will also ask him in Latin: “What name do you want to be called?” The chosen one replies: “Call… “(I will be called …) followed by the name chosen and, if appropriate, the number.
After acceptance, ballots will burn in the stove with a dye that generates the famous smoked blank (Based on potassium chloro, lactose and colophony).
After choosing one of the three White Sotanas in the Hall of Tears of the Sistine Chapel, the new Pope will receive the tribute of the cardinals. Finally, Mamberti will look out to the central balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro and pronounce the We have a pope, announcing the name of the new pontiff. Then, the new Pope will appear on the balcony and give the blessing Urbi et Orbi (to Rome and the world).