As the world mourned Pope Francis and commemorated his legacy, the sede vacante, or “vacant seat,” at the Vatican kick-started a leadership transition period known as the papal interregnum, when there is no Pope in place. For a span of weeks, ultimate power in the church will roil quietly among the College of Cardinals, who gather in Rome to secretly decide the next Pontiff.
The origins of the process date to the 13th century, anchoring papal succession in equal parts tradition, realpolitik, and mystery.
When a Pope dies, the Vatican’s customary nine days of mourning, called the novendiales, begins. The election of a new Pope must commence 15 to 20 days after the death. Organizing the conclave, or election, falls to the camerlengo, or chamberlain, the Cardinal in charge…