Sede Vacante

Photo: Paul Flanagan

Sede vacante, or empty seat: the Throne in the Basilica of St John Lateran awaits the next Bishop of Rome.

During their recent visit to Rome, the boys of the Schola Cantorum of the London Oratory School climbed the Dome of St Peter’s to see the spectacular views from the top of the Cupola. From there one can look into the Vatican Gardens and see the Mater Ecclesiae Convent, currently undergoing renovations and clearly distinguished by the builder’s chutes (centre of shot). The convent is being prepared for Benedict XVI as it is here that he will live for the rest of his days when he returns from Castel Gandolfo. The convent’s vegetable garden is visible in the foreground: