The Coronation of a Pope in the Traditional Roman Rite was a solemn and majestic liturgical ceremony, rich with symbolism and ancient prayers. Though it was not a sacrament but a unique sacramental, it included a Pontifical Mass with specially appointed liturgical propers — readings, chants, and prayers — many of which were drawn from the rites of enthronement and solemn papal liturgies rooted in centuries of tradition.
Here is a list of the Traditional Liturgical Propers used for the Papal Coronation Mass, based on sources including the 1958 Ordo Rituum Ecclesiae Romanae, the Liber Pontificalis, and other historical records of Papal Coronation Masses prior to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council:
✠ Introit:
“Státuit ei Dóminus” (Ecclus. 45:30)
The Lord made unto him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince; that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him forever. Alleluia, alleluia.
(Psalm verse:) Lord, remember David and all his meekness.
This Introit is also used for bishops and was traditionally employed for the consecration of a pope.
✠ Collect (Opening Prayer):
There was no fixed Collect uniquely composed for the coronation; instead, the Mass used texts similar to those for a bishop or a solemn feast, sometimes adapted or chosen ad libitum. However, a common Collect prayed during the coronation was:
O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, look down in Thy mercy upon Thy servant, whom Thou hast been pleased to set over Thy Church as its chief shepherd; grant, we beseech Thee, that by word and example he may profit those over whom he has charge: and that together with the flock entrusted to him, he may attain unto life everlasting.
(This is the same Collect as used for the Feast of Saint Peter’s Chair, Feb. 22)
✠ Epistle:
1 Peter 5:1–4, 10–11
The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ…
This passage emphasizes the role of the shepherd and the humility of the pastor, particularly appropriate for a Pontiff.
✠ Gradual and Alleluia:
Gradual: Ecclus. 44:16, 20
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High.
Alleluia: Matt. 16:18
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.
✠ Gospel:
John 21:15–17
Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me more than these?… Feed My lambs… Feed My sheep.
This Gospel underscores the Petrine commission, making it the most theologically appropriate passage for a new Pope’s Mass.
✠ Offertory:
“Veritas mea” (Psalm 88:25)
My truth and My mercy shall be with him: and in My name shall his horn be exalted.
This is traditionally used in episcopal ordinations and papal liturgies.
✠ Secret (Offertory Prayer):
Adapted from the Mass for the Pope (pro Papa):
Receive, O Lord, the gifts which we offer for Thy servant N., our Pope, and graciously preserve in him Thy gifts, that by Thy mercy he may accomplish worthily what he has received from Thy bounty.
✠ Communion Antiphon:
“Tu es Petrus” (Matt. 16:18)
Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church.
✠ Postcommunion Prayer:
May the participation in this divine sacrament protect us, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and always preserve Thy servant N., our Pope, and the flock committed to his care, in continual peace and unity.
Additional Elements Specific to the Coronation:
While the Mass followed the structure above, the actual Coronation ceremony — including the Tiara imposition, the “Non praevalebunt” acclamation, and the burning of flax with the words “Sic transit gloria mundi” — occurred outside of the Mass, usually on the steps of the Basilica or before the Confessio of St. Peter.
The Papal Mass also included:
- Use of the Fanon, a unique vestment worn only by the Pope.
- The silver-gilt sedia gestatoria, the flabella, and the Noble Guard during the entrance procession.
- The singing of the Laudes Regiae, with the acclamation: Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!