What is the interregnum?

There are only 9 more days before Pope Benedict XVI steps down from power. Everywhere, people are counting down the days, I can only assume that people are, and discussions on the who the next Pope will be is. However, after that and until the next Pope, who will run the Vatican state?

Truth is, during the interregnum, the period between two Popes, all department heads of the Vatican State cease to exercise their office, with the only exception being the Vicar of Rome. The ones that rule for the brief period are the Carmelengo and the Apolostic Chamber, an office from the medieval times which served as a treasury.

So now you know and won't be wondering who's the big man in charge when Pope Benedict XVI steps down. The Vatican will be in good hands until the next Pope is chosen.

Sources:
Religion News