Sede Vacante

At 8:00 in the evening Roman time tonight, the Chair of Saint Peter falls vacant.

Not since 1415 has a Pope abdicated, and not since 1294 has a former Pope been alive during the election of his successor. I say “his” successor, but of course under the language of the Church, each Pope is the direct successor of Saint Peter.

The Papacy is now said to be “sede vacante” – Latin for “the seat being vacant”. The seat in question is none other than Saint Peter’s chair, the very symbol of the Petrine office.

What now? The Cardinals of voting age (under 80) will meet in conclave in the Sistine Chapel, probably within the next week, to elect the 266th Successor to Saint Peter.

Pray for them, that the Holy Spirit will guide their hearts and minds, and that the man they elect will be given the graces needed in our time.

Pray also for the Bishop emeritus of Rome, Joseph Ratzinger, that God may continue to bless him to the end of his days, and will at their conclusion receive him into the light of His face.