After the Pope’s death, the Roman Catholic Church enters a « empty chair » period
After the death of Pope Franjo, the Roman Catholic Church enters a sitting period, which marks the period in which the papal armchair is empty. The term comes from the Latin expression « Sede Vacante », ie. The « empty chair » and refers to the time in which the church is ruled by the Cardinal Council, until a new pope is selected.
During the sitting, the papal powers do not switch to anyone, and the cardinals have very limited administrative responsibilities that are regulated by Pope John Paul II’s « Universi Dominici Gregis ».
In this transitional period, the mandate of most Vatican officials ends, except for three key positions.
Cardinal Camerlengo, who is currently Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Rome’s Vicar – Italian Cardinal Baldasare Reina and the great penitentiary – Italian Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, continue their functions, and the Cardinal Council is taking over the Church and taking over the Church.
The choice of a new pope, known as Conclava, begins after the papal armchair is empty, or because of death or, as in the case of Benedict XVI, resignation.
