Habebimus novum Papam

The title and text of this post are courtesy of Olivier Simon, who has not only found the Latin text of Pope Benedict XVI's announcement today (which is the language the announcement was made in), but has also made an interlinear translation below for our benefit.




Fratres carissimi Non solum propter tres canonizationes ad hoc Consistorium vos convocavi,
Brethren dearest. Not only because-of three canonizations to this Consistory I have-summoned

sed etiam ut vobis decisionem magni momenti pro Ecclesiae vitae communicem.
but too so-that to-you (a) decision of-big importance for (the) Church’s life I-communicate

(Nota : IMO, we should have gotten the ablative “vitâ” instead of “vitae”)


Conscientia mea iterum atque iterum coram Deo explorata ad cognitionem certam perveni
By-conscience my again and again in-front-of God explored [refers to “conscience”] to knowledge sure I-have-come

vires meas ingravescente aetate non iam aptas esse ad munus Petrinum aeque administrandum.
(that) strengths my by-heavier-getting age no more capable be to function Petrine [« of Saint Peter »] steadily administrate

Bene conscius sum hoc munus secundum suam essentiam spiritualem
Well aware I-am that function according-to its essence spiritual

non solum agendo et loquendo exsequi debere, sed non minus patiendo et orando.
Not only by-acting and by-speaking be-performed must, but not less by-suffering and by-praying

Attamen in mundo nostri temporis rapidis mutationibus subiecto et quaestionibus magni ponderis pro vita fidei perturbato
However in world of-our time to-swift mutations subjected and by-questions of-big weight for (the) life of-faith perturbated

ad navem Sancti Petri gubernandam et ad annuntiandum Evangelium etiam vigor quidam corporis et animae necessarius est,
to (the) ship of-Saint Peter govern and to announce (the) Gospel too force certain of-body and soul necessary is,

qui ultimis mensibus in me modo tali minuitur,
that (during these) last months in me in-manner such has-decreased

ut incapacitatem meam ad ministerium mihi commissum bene administrandum agnoscere debeam.
That incapacity my to ministry to-me bequeathed well administer aknowledge I-must

Quapropter bene conscius ponderis huius actus plena libertate declaro me
That’s-why well aware of-weight of-this act in-full freedom I-declare (that) I

ministerio Episcopi Romae, Successoris Sancti Petri, mihi per manus Cardinalium die 19 aprilis MMV commissum renuntiare
(the) ministry of-Bishop of-Rome, of-Successor of-Saint Peter, to-me by (the) hands of-Cardinals day 19 aprile 2005 bequeathed renounce

ita ut a die 28 februarii MMXIII, hora 20, sedes Romae, sedes Sancti Petri vacet
this-way so-that from day 28 February 2013, hour 20, (the Holy) see of-Rome, (the Holy) see of-Saint Peter be-empty

et Conclave ad eligendum novum Summum Pontificem ab his quibus competit convocandum esse.
and (that the) conclave to elect new Supreme Pontiff by those to-whom it-suits to-be-convened is.

Fratres carissimi, ex toto corde gratias ago vobis pro omni amore et labore,
Brethren dearest, from whole heart thanks I-do to-you for all love et work,

quo mecum pondus ministerii mei portastis et veniam peto pro omnibus defectibus meis.
whither with-me (the) weight of-ministry my you-have-carried and pardon I-beg for all failings my.

Nunc autem Sanctam Dei Ecclesiam curae Summi eius Pastoris, Domini nostri Iesu Christi confidimus
Now so (the) Holy of-God Church to-care of-Supreme its Shepherd, Lord our Jesus Christ we-entrust

sanctamque eius Matrem Mariam imploramus, ut patribus Cardinalibus in eligendo novo Summo Pontifice materna sua bonitate assistat.
holy his mother Mary we-implore, so-that fathers Cardinals in electing new Supreme Pontiff motherly her goodness assists

Quod ad me attinet etiam in futuro vita orationi dedicata Sanctae Ecclesiae Dei toto ex corde servire velim.
What to me pertains even in (the) future life to-prayer dedicated to-Holy Church of-God whole from heart serve I-want.

Ex Aedibus Vaticanis, die 10 mensis februarii MMXIII
From Palace Vatican, day 10 of-month February 2013.