Sede Vacante

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Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, takes possession of his titular church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, on Dec. 8, 2022.

Canon lawyer denies involvement in papal election reform, calling reports ‘a pure lie’

Nov 6, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Reports said Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda had been tasked by Pope Francis with drafting revisions to conclaves. Read more

Pope Francis delivered an address before praying the Regina Caeli on Divine Mercy Sunday April 16, 2023.

Analysis: Here’s how Pope Francis could influence the choice of his successor

Apr 18, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

By the end of 2023, nearly 70% of the cardinals eligible to become the next pope will have been appointed... Read more

Pope Francis in April 2022

A question of ‘delicate balance’: How might Pope Francis reform the rules of the conclave?

Aug 25, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

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

Mar 7, 2013

The Vatican is now selling special stamps and envelopes that are made only when there is no Pope.  Read more

The Papal Apartments are sealed after Pope Benedict XVI left the Vatican Feb 28, 2013.

Papal apartments, basilica sealed for sede vacante

Mar 1, 2013

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone sealed off the papal apartments, marking the beginning of the sede vacante, the period when there is... Read more

CNA

Cardinals set date for meetings about next Pope

Mar 1, 2013

On the first day that the Church is without a Pope, Cardinal Angelo Sodano announced that the first general congregation... Read more