When the Shepherd is Struck: Reflections on the Sede Vacante

“When the pastor is struck, the sheep are scattered; but the Lord never abandons His flock.” These words from Pope St. Gregory the Great echo with fresh gravity in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing, as the Church enters once more into the sacred stillness of the sede vacante—the empty chair of Peter.

This is a time of mourning, yes—but also of hope and trust. The Barque of Peter does not drift aimlessly. She sails on, guided by divine providence, by prayer, and by the enduring witness of saints who loved and served the Petrine office with reverent fidelity.

St. Catherine of Siena, who fiercely called popes to holiness, once declared: “Even if the Pope were Satan incarnate, we ought not to raise our heads against him.” These jarring words underline her deep love for the unity of the Church and her understanding of the Pope as Christ’s vicar on earth—not because of the man’s merits, but because of Christ’s promise.

Centuries later, St. Thomas More would lay down his life in witness to the Pope’s authority. “I die the King’s faithful servant, but God’s first,” he said—choosing martyrdom rather than betray his allegiance to the Apostolic See.

In these quiet days, the Church reflects on a paradox: the Pope is both a mortal man and the visible head of Christ’s Body. As St. Peter Damian reminds us, the Church is the Body of Christ—Christ who suffers and dies, yes, but who also rises and remains.

Throughout history, saints like St. Boniface have renewed their loyalty to Peter’s successors. Bishops today continue that vow in spirit, affirming that though the Chair of Peter stands empty now, it will not remain so for long.

This time of vacancy is not a crisis. It is a vigil—a waiting on the Spirit, a praying Church, a Church poised for God to speak again through His chosen shepherd.

As St. Charles Borromeo wrote, “The Church, although ever in tribulation, is never left by God wholly without consolation.” In the silence of these days, God is at work—preparing the heart of the next Pope, steadying the helm through the prayers of the faithful and the deliberations of the College of Cardinals.

Let us, with the saints, trust and pray. For the Spirit will move. And once more, Peter will rise to guide the flock.