Sede vacante

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In the canon law of the Catholic Church, sede vacante^[a][b] refers to the state during which a diocese or archdiocese is without a prelate installed in office, with the prelate's office being the cathedral.^[c] The term is used frequently in reference to a papal interregnum occurring upon the pope's death or resignation.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the papacy is currently vacant.

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