Facts—and Fictions—About the Papal Interregnum, by Phil Lawler

By Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture, April 22, 2025

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org.

In March, as it became clear that Pope Francis was in declining health, I posted a short primer on “What to do when the conclave comes”—a guide for Catholics (and others) following the preparations for a papal election. Readers may find it helpful to look over that piece now. But since the conclave is still two weeks away, I thought I might offer some similar guidance on how to understand the sede vacante period: the days, or weeks, when there is no Pope.

Is Cardinal Farrell the acting head of the universal Church during the interregnum?

No. Cardinal Kevin Farrell—an Irish-born prelate who spent most of his priestly ministry in the US, including a stint as Bishop of Dallas—was named by Pope Francis to serve in several important positions of trust, among them the post of camerlengo. The camerlengo’s role becomes prominent when the Pope dies, and ceases to attract notice when a new Pontiff is elected. …

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