Sede Vacante
The Latest
How Francis will be remembered: ‘He left us a great love that we are obliged to replicate’
Following Pope Francis’ passing, one of his closest Argentine friends remembered him with gratitude, emphasizing that his legacy is impossible... Read more
LIVE UPDATES: Cardinals celebrate fifth Novendiales Mass, ask for prayers for conclave
Follow here for live updates of the latest news regarding the upcoming papal conclave. Read more
Asian cardinal asks for prayers to discern what kind of pope the Church needs
“It is urgent and important that you all pray for us so that we can discern what kind of pope... Read more
Cardinal who chaired Medjugorje commission offers 4 criteria for the conclave
In an article titled “Prayer for the Church of the Near Future,” Cardinal Camillo Ruini proposes four aspects of the... Read more
Cardinal Dolan: Pope Francis was ‘a man of the heart’
The late Pope Francis was “a man of the heart” who preached tenderness and mercy to the global Church, New... Read more
These are the heads of state and dignitaries who will attend Pope Francis’ funeral
Pope Francis’ funeral will be attended by dozens of heads of state, monarchs, foreign ministers, and other leaders from around... Read more
1,800 Civil Protection volunteers on hand to streamline flow for Francis’ funeral
More than 1,800 Italian Civil Protection volunteers are currently deployed to coordinate and facilitate the flow of pilgrims paying their... Read more
Grief, sorrow in endless lines to bid farewell to Pope Francis
In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, feelings of grief and sadness... Read more
CNA explains: ‘Sede vacante’ and ‘interregnum’ — what do they mean?
A highly regulated process has now begun that will see Pope Francis’ earthly body laid to rest and a conclave... Read more
CNA explains: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope?
Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the... Read more
From sede vacante to conclave: Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition
Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to... Read more
Remembering Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States
Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, visited the United States just once, nearly 10... Read more
Who is Cardinal Farrell, the camerlengo and a key figure in the papal transition?
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a key figure in the papal succession because of his appointment in 2019 as the camerlengo... Read more
Pope Francis has died. What happens next?
With the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the sede vacante period. What happens next? Read more
BREAKING: Pope Francis dies at 88, ending historic pontificate marked by mercy and reform
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years as its first Latin American pontiff, has died... Read more
Canon lawyer denies involvement in papal election reform, calling reports ‘a pure lie’
Reports said Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda had been tasked by Pope Francis with drafting revisions to conclaves. Read more
Analysis: Here’s how Pope Francis could influence the choice of his successor
By the end of 2023, nearly 70% of the cardinals eligible to become the next pope will have been appointed... Read more
A question of ‘delicate balance’: How might Pope Francis reform the rules of the conclave?
Who will manage the Vatican when a pope resigns, is unable to govern, or passes away? And according to which... Read more
Vatican post office sells over 150k Vacant See sets
The Vatican is now selling special stamps and envelopes that are made only when there is no Pope. Read more
Papal apartments, basilica sealed for sede vacante
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sealed off the papal apartments, marking the beginning of the sede vacante, the period when there is... Read more
