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The pontificate of the first South American pontiff has ended with Francis’s death. Between two pontificates, there is always a period of at least several weeks of “sede vacante,” during which the Holy See is vacant. During this time, the cardinals take over the reigns in the Vatican and the universal church.
The Purple Senate experiences its finest hour during this period. It meets daily in general congregations and prepares the funeral of the old pope and the conclave, as well as the election of the new head of the church.
All cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote at the conclave. The length of the sede vacante depends on how difficult the search for a new pope is. Rarely did it take two years and nine months, as in Viterbo in 1268-1271, when the cardinals elected Gregory X as pope. On the other hand, five-month conclaves, as in 1740, are not uncommon.
However, the power of the cardinals is severely restricted by canon law. During the sede vacante, they may only make decisions that cannot be delayed. In addition, regulations issued by the Pope may not be corrected or amended in any way during the vacancy.
A special congregation, to which not all cardinals belong, is responsible for managing the ordinary affairs of the Church. It is headed by the Cardinal-Camerlengo, who, as Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, holds a prominent position during the vacancy. The current papal chamberlain is the Irish-born US Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
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