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Sede Vacante

Left photo: Pivato and Pope Francis in March 2024. | Right photo: Francis and Pivato in December 2013, at the start of his pontificate. / Credit: Photos courtesy of Marcelo Pivato

Late Pope Francis "left us a great love that we are obliged to replicate": Close Argentine Friend

May 3, 2025

Following Pope Francis’ passing, one of his closest Argentine friends remembered him with gratitude, emphasizing that his legacy is impossible to minimize.

More than 128,000 Mourners Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Some Queuing for "about 5 hours"

Apr 24, 2025

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. Follow here for live updates of the latest news and information on the papal transition:

A panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square filled with faithful attending Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican on April 20, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

What Happens during the Nine Days of Mourning for the Pope? CNA Explains

Apr 23, 2025

Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the death of a pope.

null / Credi: cinemavision/Shutterstock

From Sede Vacante to Conclave: Key Terms to Know at Start of a Papal Transition

Apr 22, 2025

Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to elect the new pope.

Pope Francis dies at 88: The Holy See has confirmed the passing of the first Latin American pontiff. | Credit: EWTN News

BREAKING: Pope Francis Dies at 88, Ending Historic Pontificate Marked by Mercy and Reform

Apr 21, 2025

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell on May 2, 2017. / Credit: Lucia Ballester/CNA

Who's Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of Apostolic Chamber Leading Vatican Affairs, Papal Transition?

Apr 21, 2025

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a key figure in the papal succession because of his appointment in 2019 as the camerlengo of the apostolic chamber.

Pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square for Pope Francis’ Angelus reflection on Oct. 6, 2024. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis Has Died. What Happens Next?

Apr 21, 2025

The death of Pope Francis begins the so-called “sede vacante,” a period when the See of Peter lies vacant. The time of the sede vacante after the pope’s death brings with it a series of symbols, traditions, and protocols that have existed for centuries and express the papacy’s essence. 

Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, SJ, takes possession of his titular church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, on Dec. 8, 2022. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA

Cardinal Denies Involvement in Papal Election Reform, Calling Reports "a pure lie"

Nov 6, 2023

Reports said Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda had been tasked by Pope Francis with drafting revisions to conclaves.