NOVENDIALI. – These are the obsequies of the supreme pontiffs, celebrated for nine days in the Vatican Basilica by the Sacred College and the entire Curia. These nine days of obsequies were definitively regulated by the constitution In eligendis of Pius IV of 9 October 1562 (Bullarium Romanum, VII, Turin 1862, p. 231 ff.).
Before entering conclave, the cardinals must celebrate the obsequies of the deceased pontiff, without postponing them on any pretext. The catafalque is guarded by the Noble Guards in gala uniform, with the black veil worn across the shoulder and over the cuirass; and by 20 torches of white wax, six of which stand outside the chapel, while another six candles burn on the altar. The cardinals attend these obsequies wearing a purple cassock, sash, rochet, and mozzetta of the same color. The cardinals’ train-bearers attend in croccia. All the ecclesiastics who have a place in the chapel attend wearing purple capes, silk garments, and black stockings, which is the dress they must wear sede vacante. On entering the chapel, this entire prelate body not only genuflects to the altar, but also to both sides, where the cardinals are seated, since the pope-elect may be among them.
On the first day of the n. (when the body of the deceased pontiff has been transported to St Peter’s, to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and the people go to kiss his foot for the last time), the dean of the College of Cardinals celebrates Mass; on the following days, the other suburbicarian cardinal bishops, and during the last three days, cardinal priests. On the evening of the third day of the n., the cardinals created by the deceased pontiff proceed to the burial of his body. On the seventh day of the n. begin the five pontifical absolutions prescribed by the Roman Ordines, which are performed around the large catafalque. On the last day of the n., after Mass, the funeral oration in praise of the deceased pope is delivered in Latin by a prelate chosen by the Sacred College at the 1st General Congregation. After the oration, the final absolution is given.
#### NOVENSIDI: V. INDIGETI.