Observing the solemn rites for the Obsequies of the late Bishop of Rome, it will be noticed that the papal remains are clad in red Mass vestments, that the coffin is ornamented with red, that there are red drapes. Is this an innovation of the post-Vatican Council liturgical reforms? Not at all.
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| The Cardinal Camerlengo incensing the Papal casket in S' Peter's basilica. Image : Associated Press. |
Not only is red the traditional colour for Papal vesture (hence the drapes and ornament of the coffin) but there is an older tradition here to be observed.
Before the post-Vatican Council liturgical reforms, when the Pope celebrated solemnly (as distinct from a Low Mass) only one of two liturgical colours were used : red and white. This very ancient Roman tradition is also employed - with degrees of observance - in the Byzantine rites, where white is the usual colour for the Divine Liturgy and red used for penitential days and funerals. The emphasis was on vestments which were either lighter or darker in their appearance.
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| The Cardinal Camerlengo incensing the Papal casket. Image : Associated Press. |
O Lord, do not bring your servant to trial, for no man is holy in your sight unless you grant him forgiveness of all his sins. We implore you, therefore, do not let the verdict of your judgement go against him, whom the loyal prayer of Christian faith is commending to your mercy. Rather, by the help of your grace, may he escape the sentence which he deserves, for during his earthly life, he was signed with the Holy Trinity. You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
A prayer from the old ritual for the burial of the dead.
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AMDG
