medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
I'm not sure if this is medieval, but I'm hoping someone on the list may
know if it is.
When a pope dies the camerlengo uses a silver hammer to bap the pope on the
forehead three times, saying his Christian name as he does so. When the pope
doesn't answer, only THEN is he considered dead. This ritual is used today.
However, in his book "The Pope's Body," Paravicini-Bagliani does not make
reference to this custom, nor have I seen it referred to in any of my death
books dealing with medieval/Rennaisance religion, or the medieval papacy.
Would anyone know the origins of this custom or where I may be able to find
out more about it?
Many thanks in advance,
Wendy Reardon
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