What Happens When a Pope Passes Away?: Key Terms and Procedures Explained

When a pope passes away, the Catholic Church enters a unique and solemn period of transition. This interval, rich with centuries-old traditions and precise procedures, ensures the Church remains stable and respectful as it prepares to elect a new pope. Here are a few key terms and practices to understand what happens between the death of one pope and the election of the next.

1. Sede Vacante

The Latin phrase “sede vacante” means "when the see is vacant". It refers to the time after a pope’s death when the papal seat — the Diocese of Rome — is unoccupied. During this period, major decisions and appointments are paused. Only essential matters and urgent business are handled by the College of Cardinals.

2. Interregnum

The time between the death of a pope and the election of his successor is called the interregnum, meaning “between reigns”. Though the Church has moved away from monarchical terms since the 20th century, the term persists as a way to describe this unique phase in Church leadership.

3. Conclave

A conclave is a closed-door meeting where eligible cardinals elect the next pope. This tradition began in the 13th century to speed up papal elections after a historically long delay.

4. Camerlengo — The Vatican Administrator

The camerlengo (currently U.S. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell) oversees the Vatican’s daily affairs and manages Church property during the “sede vacante”. He leads a rotating group of cardinals in “particular congregations” to handle ongoing business and prepares for the conclave.

5. Dean of the College of Cardinals

The Dean of the College of Cardinals convenes the cardinals in Rome and guides their general meetings. Since the current dean, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, is over 80 and ineligible to vote, his conclave duties have been delegated to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who will be administering oaths and overseeing the vote inside the Sistine Chapel.

6. Cardinal-Electors 

Only cardinals below the age of 80 at the time of the pope’s death can vote in the conclave. These cardinal electors remain active for election purposes even if retired. As of April 21, 2025, there are 135 eligible voters.

7. General and Particular Congregations 

General congregations are meetings where all cardinals gather to prepare for the conclave and discuss important Church matters. Particular congregations, on the other hand, are small, daily administrative groups of four cardinals, including the camerlengo, that handle routine decisions until a new pope is elected.

8. Extra Omnes

Before the conclave voting begins, the phrase “Extra omnes” — Latin for “all outside” — is announced. This command directs those who are not authorisedto participate in the conclave to leave the Sistine Chapel.

9. Secrecy

Cardinals take two solemn oaths of secrecy: one during general congregations and another at the start of the conclave. All conclave assistants also swear secrecy to preserve the sanctity and integrity of the papal election.

10. Scrutineers, Infirmieri, and Revisers 

Several cardinals are chosen by lot to carry out specific conclave tasks:

- Scrutineers oversee vote collection and counting.

- Infirmieri deliver and return ballots from ill cardinal electors.

- Revisers double-check the accuracy of each voting round.

11. Smoke Signals 

The world learns whether a new pope has been chosen by the colour of smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke means no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been elected. This smoke is created by burning ballots after each round of voting. Chemicals are added to ensure the smoke colour is clear and distinguishable.

Courtesy: Catholic News Agency

Featured Image Courtesy: AFP