Rome Newsroom, Apr 21, 2025 / 11:11 am. The death of Pope Francis begins the so-called “sede vacante,” a period when the See of Peter lies vacant.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The so-called “sede vacante” stamps include an image used by the Vatican in official documents in periods between popes: two crossed keys but no papal headgear.

The issuing of sede vacante stamps dates from 1929. Credit: AP Ermenegildo Santarossa sits in his Filitalia stamps, coins, and souvenirs shop next to the Vatican walls, in Rome, Tuesday, April 29 ...

Sede vacante begins at the moment a pope dies or resigns and concludes when his successor accepts his election as pope. The College of Cardinals is entrusted with governing the Church during the ...

The issuing of sede vacante stamps dates from 1929. Starting on May 7, cardinals will gather to elect Francis’ successor. It is not known how long the secret election will last.