As I worked on helping plan our own Church's memorial mass for the Pope John Paul the 2nd, we were given this information, as passed on to us by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The information in the link provided sheds light on what happens both liturgically and what you see in the secular world.
Click here for the site. In particular, check out the pages which have the Glossary (very bottom of document/last page), do “CTRL+F” and search for the following: PART I: THE DEATH OF THE POPE, PART II: THE ELECTION OF THE ROMAN PONTIFF, and PART III: THE NEW POPE. It's quite an interesting read because partly of it being history. At the same time, the information made available by the general media (e.g., CNN, BBC) isn't always complete and accurate. Of course, if you're into reading stuff like that! 🙂
Finally for posterity, “The Oath of Secrecy”, as might be read in the upcoming conclave…
The Oath of Secrecy
Anyone breaking the vow of secrecy is subject to “grave penalties according to the judgement of the future pope,” including the possibility of excommunication. The cardinals may not receive newspapers or periodicals of any sort, listen to the radio, watch television, and presumably not use the Internet or e-mail until a new pope is elected.
I, N.N., promise and swear that, unless I should receive a special faculty given expressly by the newly elected pontiff or by his successors, will observe absolute and perpetual secrecy with all who are not part of the College of Cardinal electors concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff.
I likewise promise and swear to refrain from using any audio or video equipment capable of recording anything which takes place during the period of the election within Vatican City, and in particular anything which in any way, directly or indirectly, is related to the process of the election itself. I declare that I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will make me subject to the spiritual and canonical penalties which the future Supreme Pontiff will see fit to adopt, in accordance with Canon 1399 of the Code of Canon Law.
So help me God and these Holy Gospels which I touch with my hand.
I'll add more interesting stuff when I get the time. 😀
Sources:
Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, On the Vacancy of the Apostolic See and the Election of the Roman Pontiff (February 22, 1996, Pope John Paul II)
Dogmatic Constitution Pastor Aeternus, III (First Vatican Ecumenical Council); Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 18 (Second Vatican Ecumenical Council)
Papal Primacy in the Third Millenium, Russell Shaw
Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia, Revised Edition,, Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas
