Vacant See: Dicastery Activities and Funeral Arrangements

The vacancy of the Apostolic See results in a significant suspension of the activities of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the administrative bodies that assist the pope in the management of the universal Church and play a role somewhat like a ministry within a government.

According to Article 24 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis – which regulates the Sedes Vacans period – the dicasteries lose all power regarding matters that normally require direct papal approval, whether through verbal exchange, a formal audience, or special faculties granted by the pontiff to their leaders (prefects, presidents, or secretaries).

This restriction is intended to preserve the authority of the future pope, ensuring that major decisions remain under his exclusive control.

However, the Church is doing things correctly: the ordinary faculties of the dicasteries – those that do not depend on explicit papal approval – are not suppressed. These faculties must, however, be exercised with extreme caution: grave or controversial matters must be deferred, except in cases of absolute urgency.

In such cases, it is up to the cardinals—those already present in Rome and beginning to meet to conduct routine business—to delegate the examination of the case to the cardinal prefect or archbishop presiding over the relevant dicastery, accompanied by the other cardinals of that dicastery.

The latter may then make provisional decisions, respecting ecclesiastical rights and traditions, until the election of the new pope. This arrangement reflects a subtle balance between the need for administrative continuity and respect for future pontifical authority.

A notable exception is granted to the supreme tribunals, namely the Apostolic Signatura and the Roman Rota: these judicial institutions retain their ability to process cases in accordance with their own laws. This continuity ensures that judicial processes, essential to ecclesiastical justice, are not interrupted, even in the absence of a pope.

The issue of the funeral rites for Roman Pontiff was the first decision made; they will constitute a significant moment. It was decided that they will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. The cardinals will be required to conduct funeral services for nine consecutive days for the repose of the soul of the deceased Pope. 

The burial procedure at St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)—in accordance with the will of the late Roman Pontiff, who opted for a simplified funeral rite (exposure in a simple coffin rather than a catafalque)—is strictly codified. An authenticated protocol will be drawn up by the notary of the chapter of the Liberian basilica, guaranteeing official documentation.

In addition, two delegates, one from the Cardinal Camerlengo and the other from the Prefect of the Pontifical Household, will produce separate reports to attest to the burial, in the presence of qualified witnesses. This procedural rigor underscores the importance placed on the transparency and solemnity of the event. On the evening of Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, acting as Camerlengo, performed the rite of attestation of the Pope's death and his burial.

One last detail: the Church prohibits the occupation of the Pope's private apartments at St. Martha’s House after his burial and during the conclave, thus preserving the sacredness of this space until the arrival of the new pontiff.