The Period of the Sede Vacante and the General Congregations

The death or resignation of a Pope initiates a period known in the Catholic Church as the Sede Vacante, Latin for “Vacant See”—meaning the Chair of Saint Peter is temporarily unoccupied. This time is marked by profound respect, prayer, and preparation for the election of the new Successor of Peter, in accordance with the Church's two-thousand-year-old Tradition.

1. What is the Sede Vacante?

During the Sede Vacante:

• All governing powers proper to the Pope cease immediately.

• The dicasteries (departments of the Church's central administration) also see their ordinary authority suspended, except for some indispensable administrative matters.

• The Church remains in a state of waiting and prayer, fully trusting in divine Providence.

The College of Cardinals, presided over by the Cardinal Camerlengo, provisionally assumes coordination of the most urgent matters. The Camerlengo is tasked with administering the patrimony of the Holy See and ensuring the proper preparation for the Conclave, without making decisions that strictly belong to papal authority.

2. Verification of Death and Initial Rites

If the Sede Vacante is caused by the Pope's death:

• The Cardinal Camerlengo officially certifies the death.

• The Fisherman's Ring (the Pope's personal ring, symbolizing his authority) is destroyed to prevent any forgery of documents.

• The Novendialium is celebrated—nine days of Masses and public prayers for the deceased Pope.

If the vacancy occurs due to resignation (as in the case of Benedict XVI), the Sede Vacante begins from the date and time previously established in the resignation act.

3. The General Congregations of Cardinals

While the entire Church gathers spiritually in prayer, the College of Cardinals organizes the so-called General Congregations:

• Participants: All cardinals present in Rome, including those over 80 years old who will not vote in the Conclave.

• Objectives:

  • Address practical and logistical preparations for the Conclave (location, security, accommodations).

  • Deliberate on the start date of the Conclave.

  • Reflect on the Church's situation in the world and the challenges the new Pope will face.

  • Promote mutual acquaintance among the cardinals, especially since many meet in person for the first time.

These meetings are important moments of prayer and exchange of impressions but are not electoral campaigns. According to tradition and canonical norms, personal propaganda or political agreements to favor candidates are strictly prohibited—a safeguard against worldly interests and an invitation to purity of intention.

4. Spiritual Preparation

Before the official opening of the Conclave:

• All the faithful are invited to intensify their prayers for the election of the new Pope.

• Novenas, rosaries, Masses, and acts of adoration and penance are encouraged to invoke the assistance of the Holy Spirit upon the cardinal electors.

• The cardinals themselves must examine their consciences, seek forgiveness for their sins, and implore the gift of divine wisdom.

Thus, the entire Church—visible and invisible, militant and triumphant—unites in a single spirit of faith and hope, trusting in Christ's promise:

"You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)