Page:On papal conclaves (IA a549801700cartuoft).djvu/185

 Rh which must be noticed; but neither will be found to involve on his part any formula of oath or obligation. At an early day after election, in general on the following Sunday, the Pope is enthroned in St. Peter's, when he is crowned with the celebrated triple crown, the tiara. The ceremonies observed on this occasion are in part marked with a strange symbolism. In the Atrium of St. Peter, opposite the walled-up gate called La Porta Santa, which is opened only in the years of Jubilee, the Pope, sitting on a throne, receives first the homage of the arch-priest and all the clergy attached to the Basilica. This over, he is carried in procession up the church to the Chapel of St. Gregory, which is converted into a robing-room. On issuing from it a Master of the Ceremonies suddenly steps forward, and, arresting the Pope on bent knee, holds up to him a silver rod tipped with a bundle of tow, which a clerk sets on fire from a taper in his hand, the former officer singing aloud 'Sancte Pater, sic transit gloria mundi.' This curious bit of symbolism is repeated twice. At the high altar the Pope is clothed with the Pallium; and on the termination of mass during which occurs the homage