February 28, 2013. (Romereports.com)    Once the Sede Vacante begins, which is the period when there is no Pope, all Vatican department heads, will temporarily lose their posts, at least symbolically, until a new Pope is elected. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is the so called 'Camerlengo.' He will be in charge of sealing the Papal apartments to prevent any type of tampering.



FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman
 “Visually nothing in particular will happen at the Vatican, except that the Papal apartments will be closed and the elevator that leads to it, will be sealed. This will happen a few minutes after 8.00pm.”

On Friday, March 1st, all cardinals will receive a letter from the Dean of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano. The letter will officially state that  Benedict XVI has retired, calling on them to come to Rome to elect his successor.

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