The term Sede Vacante or Vatican See, is the period between the end of a Pope’s governance of the Church – in this case the death of Pope Francis, 88, on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025 – and the election of his successor.
The earthly heart of the Church is often referred to as the Apostolic See or Holy See. A “see” is a seat of authority, from the Latin “sede” for “chair.”
The Roman Diocese has been called the Apostolic See, or Holy See, from ancient times, as it is the seat of authority of the chief apostle Peter, and the first pope. The expression applies not only to the pope but also to those in Rome who assist him in governing the universal Church.
Upon the death of the pope, it is the camerlengo, or chamberlain, of the Holy Roman Church who has the key role of organising the process during the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the interregnum, including the certification of the death of the Holy Father.
During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the governance of the Church is entrusted to the College of Cardinals. However, their authority is limited to only ordinary or urgent matters, and preparing for the new pope.
Upon the death of the Pope, all Heads of Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, 16 in all, resign with some exceptions so that regular operations of the Vatican are maintained. This includes the Cardinal Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell; the Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis; the Cardinal Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina; the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica and Vicar General for Vatican City, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti; the Almoner of His Holiness (responsible for administering the pope’s charitable works), Cardinal Konrad Krajewski; the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretary of State, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra; the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher; and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Ravelli. The secretaries of the Dicasteries remain in place.
During the Sede Vacante the entire College of Cardinals is convened including those over the age limit for electing a new pope. These General Congregations are held in the Apostolic Palace and presided over by the Dean of the College, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
They deliberate on preparations for the concave, schedule various reflections and establish the date and time for the start of the voting process.
The Cardinal electors are also informed of the process to the conclave which is preceded by a solemn Eucharistic celebration with the votive Mass Pro Eligendo Papa.
In the afternoon the Cardinal electors proceed in a solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel which has been prepared with rows of desks and seating on either side.
Once inside,, each Cardinal elector takes the oath that, if elected, to faithfully fulfil the Minus Petrinum as Pastor of the Universal Church. They also pledge to maintain absolute secrecy regarding everything related to the election of the Roman Pontiff, and to refrain from supporting any attempts of external interference in the election.
At this point all individuals who are not part of the Conclave must leave the Sistine Chapel apart from the ecclesiastic and Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations who delivers a final meditation before also leaving.
The Sistine Chapel is then completely sealed off until the election is concluded with the Cardinals staying overnight in chambers with the Apostolic Palace until the election is concluded.