As anticipation builds ahead of the conclave to elect a new Pope following the passing of Pope Francis at age 88, Nigerian Catholic priest, Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has offered insight into one of the Vatican’s most emotional traditions — the “Room of Tears.”
In a recent post on his Facebook page, Fr. Ugwu explained the significance of this sacred space, located just beside the Sistine Chapel. The room contains three white papal cassocks in different sizes, prepared for the newly elected pontiff to wear immediately after the decision is made.
According to Fr. Ugwu, this room earns its name from the overwhelming emotions that often overcome a new Pope as he dons the white cassock for the very first time. “The room is nicknamed the ‘Room of Tears’ because many newly elected popes are overcome with emotion as they put on the white cassock for the first time and fully grasp the weight of their new responsibility. It is a room where he can have a brief moment of reflection and prayers as he prepares to meet the crowd in St Peter’s Basilica. There is also the red velvet cape, a stole, and surplice as seen in the picture,” he wrote.
He also noted that Vatican authorities recently released new images of the room in preparation for the upcoming papal election on May 7. “These are the new pictures released by the Vatican; it is a room close to the Sistine Chapel where the white Cassock the new Pope will wear is contained. If you look very well, you will see three cassocks made in three different sizes: long, short and medium size,” Fr. Ugwu added.
This sacred space allows the new Pope a private moment to process the life-changing responsibility that comes with leading the Catholic Church before stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the world.
The post quickly stirred reactions from followers. Christian Obioha commented, “The Catholic Church is the most organized institution in the world. Everything goes in perfect harmony.”
Maria Ozowara also praised the priest’s enlightening explanation, writing, “Father God bless you more you are really teaching us a lot. I pray for more wisdom and grace upon you. I never regret following you. I love you my son, keep on your good work. I am proud to be a Catholic.”
Another follower, Chisom Ibeneme, expressed how deeply the tradition resonated, saying, “Wow. That name suits that room because as an ordinary person I can imagine that feeling. Just seeing these pics I’m already tearing. God bless the mother.”
