The papal apartment is sealed after the death or resignation of a Pope to prevent fraud and manipulation of papal documents, and to secure the personal belongings and private correspondence of the deceased or retired Pope. The sealing is performed by the Camerlengo, an official of the Roman Curia, and is done in the presence of witnesses with a silk string tied and a wax seal to ensure no one can enter. This sealing marks the beginning of the "sede vacante" period (vacant see), during which no Pope is in office, and the apartment is only reopened once a new Pope is elected to ensure proper transition and security of the papal material.
Purpose of Sealing the Papal Apartment
- To avoid fraud and manipulation of documents belonging to the previous Pope.
- To prevent the release of items that can only be handled by the new Pope.
- To protect the Pope's privacy and personal correspondence.
- To secure relics or items of significance, especially for highly revered Popes who may be canonized later.
Process and Protocol
- The Camerlengo leads the sealing process, which occurs immediately after the Pope's death or resignation.
- The sealing includes tying a silk string and affixing a wax seal to the apartment doors.
- The apartment remains sealed until the conclave elects a new Pope, at which point the seal is broken and the apartment can be accessed again.
This practice is a centuries-old tradition to maintain the integrity and sanctity of the papal office during transitions between pontificates.
