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 20061211 (380)