Home
 POPE FRANCIS The events surrounding the death of Pope Francis continue as we move through the week. On Wednesday, April 23, the body of Pope Francis was translated from Casa Santa Marta to Saint Peter’s Basilica, beginning a three-day period of lying in state which will until Friday evening at 7 pm (Rome time). At 8 pm, the Camerlingo of the Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will preside over the service to seal the coffin of Pope Francis in preparation for his funeral. The funeral of Pope Francis will take place tomorrow, Saturday, April 26, starting at 10 am. Following the funeral, the coffin bearing the pope will be translated to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis will be interred in his final resting place. The day of the funeral also marks the beginning of the official nine-day mourning period known as the “Novendiales”. On Sunday, April 27 (Divine Mercy Sunday), the second day of the Novendiales, a Eucharistic Celebration in memory of Pope Francis will be held at Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the former Vatican Secretary of State (remember—when the “Sede Vacante” period begins, all officers of the Vatican also lose their positions, one exception being the Camerlingo). For each of the seven subsequent days, a memorial Mass will be celebrated in memory of the pope, to be presided over by different cardinals. The next event, and one of major significance, is the convening of the College of Cardinals in Conclave to elect the next pope. Preparations for the Conclave are ongoing, and as more cardinals arrive in Rome for the funeral, daily “General Congregations” are taking place. The conclave should begin on the 15th day after the death of a pope (the 16th day of the interregnum), which would be May 6, 2025. However, that date is flexible: the start of the Conclave may be delayed “for serious reasons” up to the 20th day after death (21st day of the vacancy), or it may begin earlier, if all the electors are present. 
 
 SEDE VACANTE STAMPS: Pope Pius XII (Scott 247, 1958) Pope John XXIII (Scott 362, 1963) Pope Paul VI (Scott 635, 1978) Pope John Paul I (Scott 638, 1978) Pope John Paul II (Scott 1292, 2005) Pope Benedict XVI (Scott 1520, 2013) One thing Vatican City stamp collectors should be looking for is the release of the Sede Vacante stamps, marking the current interregnum period. Recent Sede Vacante releases following the death or resignation of a pope have occurred about 10-17 days following the “vacancy of the seat”. Ten days from the death of Pope Francis would be around May 1. For example: It is interesting to note that the last set, for Pope Benedict, was released just one day following his resignation. One can assume that this was because his date of resignation was known well in advance (having been announced on February 11, 2013). Collectors are referred to the Vatican State website (www.vaticanstate.va) for stamp release documents. The link in the references will bring you to the latest document for 2025. Scroll to the bottom of the document to view the most recent releases. The reader is also referred to the official website of the Holy See (www.vatican.va) for official announcements, a calendar of events, and copies of programs for each of the events that have taken place or are scheduled tied to the death of Pope Francis. The home page of the website displays the emblem for the vacant seat and reads "Apostolica Sedes Vacans" ("Vacant Apostolic Sees"). REFERENCES: |
