Sede Vacante

At the resignation or death of the Pope before the election of a successor, the Petrine See of Rome becomes vacant (sede vacante). The canon laws governing this period of interregnum are specified in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici gregis, later modified by the Motu Proprio Normas nonnullas. During the period of sede vacante, certain offices in the Roman Curia are suspended, and some offices have special roles as specified in Universi Dominici gregis.

Cardinals who are under the age of 80, as calculated on the day before the Apostolic See becomes vacant, are eligible to elect the Roman Pontiff in the Conclave.

Special liturgical rites are used for the Papal Funeral, for the Conclave and for the Inauguration of the Pontificate.