This hymn is sung in the
Catholic Church at solemn events, such as the
inauguration of a pope or, in centuries past, the
coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor. It is also sung at
processions, such as those held on the
feasts of
Corpus Christi and
Christ the King. The
laudes regiæ has origins as far back as
Ancient Rome: when leaders such as generals,
emperors or
consuls entered the
City of Rome for a
triumph after winning a battle, they were met with the chants from the people.
Charlemagne later adopted such Roman traditions: when crowned
Emperor of the Romans by
Pope Leo III in
Old St. Peter's Basilica on
Christmas Day 800 A.D.,
laudes were sung during the coronation ceremony – possibly already including the formula
"Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat". == Lyrics ==