What is the official role of the pope?
In Catholicism, the Pope has a very important role. From the moment that he agrees to be the Pope, his job has begun. Here is what he has to do. After the Pope is elected, he meets with the Cardinal Deacon, the Secretary of the College of Cardinals, the Cardinal Dean, and the Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations. The Cardinal Dean asks the elected pope two questions: 1. Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff? If yes, then he asks the second question. 2. By what name do you wish to be called? For example, the current Pope took the name Pope Benedict XVI. The Master of Papal Liturgical Celebrations certifies the acceptance of the Pope and his name. The Pope now is the Bishop of Rome. Being the Bishop of Rome means he has ultimate power of the Catholic Church. Every Cardinal that voted visits the new Pope and honors him to show obedience. Traditionally, the oldest Cardinal from the conclave goes on the balcony above St. Peter’s Square and announces, “Habemus papam.” T
