BERLIN — Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation Thursday as head of the Roman Catholic Church marks the beginning of a period known as sede vacante — when the Holy See of Rome is vacant until the election of a new pope.
Sede vacante is a Latin term that literally means “vacant seat.” This is the time when the office of the pope is not occupied.
It is the interim period between the death of the head of the Church — or in this case retirement — and the election of his successor.
The pope sits on the Chair of St. Peter. According to Catholic doctrine, the pope is the successor of the Apostle Peter. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus of Nazareth was the first Church leader.
During sede vacante, the College of Cardinals leads the Church. But its powers are limited to tasks and decisions that can’t be postponed. During this period, the pope’s laws cannot be amended.
The interim administration of the Church is taken over by a cardinal, referred to as the Camerlengo (chamberlain), who has three assistants.
During the interregnum, special coins marking the period will be minted and special stamps issued.
The College of Cardinals prepares for the election of the new pope. They will gather in Rome for this important vote.
The last sede vacante started on April 2, 2005, with the death of Pope John Paul II, and ended on April 19 that year with the election of Benedict.
