With the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has entered the period known as the sede vacante, or “the vacant seat.” This ancient tradition marks the time when the See of Peter lies empty and the Church begins the solemn transition to the election of a new pope. The period brings with it “a series of symbols, traditions, and protocols that have existed for centuries and express the papacy’s essence,” according to Catholic News Agency (CNA).
At the center of this interregnum is the camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born prelate who also serves as the prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, and formerly as bishop of Dallas. Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Farrell to this role in 2019, following the death of Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
The responsibilities of the camerlengo are outlined in two key Church documents: Pope Francis’ 2022 apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, which reorganized the Roman Curia, and Pope St. John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs the sede vacante and the election of a new pope.
Traditionally, the camerlengo led the Apostolic Camera, a centuries-old institution responsible for managing Church goods during the sede vacante. However, Praedicate Evangelium suppressed the Apostolic Camera, instead directing the camerlengo to work with three assisting cardinals—one of whom is the cardinal coordinator of the Council for the Economy, with the other two selected “according to the modalities provided for by the legislation on the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Roman pontiff.”
Duties of the Camerlengo
Upon the pope’s death, the camerlengo must “ascertain the pope’s death, in the presence of the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations, the cleric prelates of the Apostolic Camera, and the secretary and chancellor of the same,” according to Universi Dominici Gregis.
Next, the camerlengo breaks the Ring of the Fisherman, the symbol of papal authority, thereby annulling the seal of the pontificate. He then seals the pope’s study and bedroom. In Pope Francis’ case, who resided in the Casa Santa Marta rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, this means both locations must be sealed, as “the papal apartments… remained unused during this pontificate,” according to CNA.
Following these rites, the camerlengo notifies the cardinal vicar of the Diocese of Rome, currently Cardinal Baldassare Reina, who in turn announces the pope’s death to the people of Rome. He also informs the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti. The camerlengo then takes possession of the Apostolic Palace, the Lateran Palace, and Castel Gandolfo.
It is also his responsibility to organize the funeral and burial of the pope, “after having discussed the matter with the members of the College of Cardinals.” Despite this position of significant responsibility, the camerlengo does not become a temporary pope. “There is no such thing as a ‘vice pope,’” CNA explains. The camerlengo simply manages routine administration and coordinates with the College of Cardinals.
Changes to the Papal Funeral Rite
Pope Francis had previously reformed elements of the papal funeral rites. For example, the confirmation of the pope’s death no longer occurs in the room where he died but in his private chapel. The camerlengo calls the deceased pope by his baptismal name—not his papal name—three times. “The tradition of tapping the deceased pope three times with a small silver hammer has long been in disuse,” CNA notes.
Another notable change is the immediate placement of the pope’s body in a plain wooden coffin, rather than using the traditional cata-letto or death bed. Francis also eliminated the previous practice of placing the pope’s remains in three nested coffins (cypress, lead, and oak). Instead, the body is placed in a simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining and transferred directly to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The funeral Mass, or Missa Poenitentialis, is celebrated either in St. Peter’s Basilica or St. Peter’s Square. During the procession, the pope’s body lies in a plain wooden coffin covered by a silk veil. Photos of the deceased pope are forbidden unless specifically authorized by the camerlengo—and must depict him in full pontifical robes.
Historically, popes’ organs were removed and preserved in special amphorae for placement in the Church of Sts. Anastasio and Vincenzo in Rome. However, this practice ended with Pope Pius X and was not revived by Pope Francis.
The Transition of Church Leadership
Once the pope has died, all members of the Roman Curia—including the powerful secretary of state—vacate their positions. Only a few positions remain intact: the camerlengo, the major penitentiary, the papal almoner, the cardinal vicars of Rome and Vatican City State, and the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Finally, the camerlengo convenes the cardinals for a series of general congregations. Within 20 days of the pope’s death, the conclave begins. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote for the next pope.
As the Church now enters this sacred time of reflection and preparation, Catholics around the world join in mourning Pope Francis and praying for the cardinals who will soon gather to elect his successor.
Your support makes stories like this possible!
Catholic Online News relies entirely on the generosity of donors to provide unfiltered, free access to news that reflects the authentic Catholic perspective on life, faith, family, and freedom. Your donation ensures that millions worldwide can continue visiting our site to discover the truth they seek, rooted in Catholic teachings. By supporting us, you help maintain a beacon of light for those navigating the complexities of our modern world through the lens of our faith.
