Vatican · Sede Vacante MMXXV

The Catholic Church uses the term sede vacante to describe the period during which the Apostolic See is vacant. It begins with the death or effective resignation of a pope and ends when his successor accepts election. The 2025 sede vacante began following the death of Pope Francis (Franziskus) on 21 April. On 8 May, the conclave elected the U.S. cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope. He took the name Leo XIV.

During the sede vacante, the offices of most heads of Vatican curial authorities expire. Ongoing affairs are handled to a limited extent by the College of Cardinals. It may not make decisions reserved solely for the pope or decisions that would bind the future pontiff. Its responsibilities include preparing the funeral of the deceased pope and organizing the conclave.

The Cardinal Camerlengo, in Italian Camerlengo, has a special function. In 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell held this office. He officially establishes the pope’s death, orders the sealing of the papal residential and working quarters, and administers, together with the Apostolic Camera, the temporal goods and rights of the Holy See. However, he does not assume the pope’s spiritual or teaching authority.

The heraldic symbolism used during a sede vacante refers to this temporary administration. The canopy, also called the Umbraculum or Ombrellino, is an ecclesiastical symbol of authority. In conjunction with the keys, during the period without a pope it represents the Apostolic Camera. The personal coat of arms of the Cardinal Camerlengo identifies the official responsible for the administration, not a deputy pope.

Sede vacante coinage forms part of an older Vatican coin tradition. It documents the institutional transition between two pontificates and thereby differs from coins bearing the image or coat of arms of a reigning pope. The 2025 issue thus records a clearly defined period in the history of the Holy See.