Interregnum

The time between the death of the pope and the election of a new pope. The church is ruled during this time by the Cardinal Camerlengo (Interim governing cardinal), who has the following duties.

• Verifies the death of the pope by calling his Christian name three time and tapping on his head with a silver hammer.
• Authorizes a death certificate.
• Seals the pope's private compartments.
• Makes arrangements to break the papal ring and seal.
• Arranges for the burial of the pope and the nine days of mourning (novemdiales).
• Counts the votes during the conclave.