sede vacante
The term "sede vacante" originates from Latin and is used within the Roman Catholic Church to describe a period when a bishopric or the papacy is vacant.
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Definition
C2Roman Catholic Church
(technical, ecclesiastical)The period when a bishopric or the papacy is without an incumbent, typically due to death, resignation, or transfer.
Example
- The cathedral was in a state of sede vacante after the bishop's sudden resignation.
- During the sede vacante, the diocese was managed by an appointed administrator.