The Vatican's Sacred Transition: What Happens During a "Sede Vacante?"

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has now entered into a period of sacred transition, setting in motion a series of well-defined rituals and procedures that govern the period between the death of the pontiff and the election of his successor. This period, known as Sede Vacante or “Vacant See”, is a time of careful planning and organisation.

Here’s a closer look at what happens within the Vatican during this crucial period.

The Role of the College of Cardinals

During Sede Vacante, the College of Cardinals assumes responsibility for the governance of the Catholic Church. However, they are only empowered to address ordinary and urgent matters, such as preparing for the election of the next pope. They are not allowed to make decisions that were solely the Pope’s prerogative.

In addition to their ecclesiastical responsibilities, the Cardinals also temporarily assume the civil powers related to the governance of Vatican City.

Resignation of the Heads of the Roman Curia

Upon the Pope’s death, all heads of the Roman Curia are required to submit their resignations. This includes prominent figures such as the heads of various Vatican departments and officials responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Church. However, certain key officials remain in their posts to ensure continuity, such as Cardinal Camerlengo, who oversees the temporal affairs of the Vatican during the vacancy. Other officials, including the Major Penitentiary, the Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, and the Almoner of His Holiness, also retain their offices during this period.

The Crucial Role of the General and Particular Congregations

During Sede Vacante, the College of Cardinals gathers to discuss matters relating to the future papacy. These meetings take place in two types of Congregations: General and Particular.

General Congregations are composed of the entire College of Cardinals, including those who are too old to vote in the upcoming papal election. These gatherings are typically held in the Apostolic Palace and are presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The General Congregations allow the Cardinals to discuss the urgent business of the Church and, most importantly, prepare for the papal election.

Particular Congregations, on the other hand, are smaller gatherings of key figures who are tasked with overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the Vatican during the Sede Vacante period. Cardinal Camerlengo and three additional cardinals, chosen at random, lead these particular sessions. They meet to handle ordinary matters, while more pressing issues are referred to the General Congregations.

Urgent Preparations and Procedures

Several tasks must be completed by the General Congregation to prepare for the papal conclave. Among the most pressing decisions is the preparation of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a guesthouse located within Vatican City, to house the electors. The Sistine Chapel, where the papal election takes place, must also be prepared.

In addition to logistical arrangements, the General Congregations must appoint two distinguished ecclesiastics to reflect on the current challenges facing the Church. These individuals deliver talks to help guide the Cardinals’ deliberations as they make their choice for the next Pope. The destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring and the Lead Seal is also necessary. These items, used to authenticate Apostolic Letters during the Pope’s reign, are destroyed to signify the end of his papacy.

Finally, the date and time for the start of the conclave must be set. Once this is established, the process of electing a new pope can begin.

A Sacred and Ordered Transition

The Sede Vacante period is both a time of mourning and one of critical preparation. As the Cardinals take on the responsibility of guiding the Church, they ensure that the transition from one papacy to the next is orderly and meaningful.

Courtesy: Vatican News