In the case of papal, episcopal, and quasi-episcopal office (cf. CIC/1983, c. 381 §2), the term sede vacante (“while the see is vacant”) refers to the period between the time the incumbent leaves office (through death or resignation; in the case of the pope also through clear and irreversible loss of the use of reason; in the case of bishops, also through removal or transfer) and a new incumbent takes office. The norms governing vacancy of the papal see are found in the apostolic constitution Universi dominici gregis of Feb 22, 1996, those governing episcopal office…
See, Vacant(141 words)
Cite this page
Pree, Helmuth, “See, Vacant”, in: Religion Past and Present. Consulted online on 28 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1877-5888_rpp_SIM_025419>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004146662, 2006-2013
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