The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 has set in motion a centuries-old series of protocols designed to guide the Catholic Church through the transitional period known as Sede Vacante—the vacancy of the papal seat.
The first step in this solemn process is for the Camerlengo—currently Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell—to officially confirm the pope’s death. As the senior Vatican official responsible for overseeing the interregnum, the camerlengo performs a ceremonial confirmation before beginning the preparations for mourning and succession.
