camerlengo

Definition

The cardinal who administers the Roman Catholic Church in the interregnum between Popes.

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian camerlengo (“chamberlain”). Doublet of chamberlain.

Example Sentences

• "Benedict will also stop using the so-called fisherman’s ring to seal documents. It will be destroyed by the cardinal camerlengo, the acting head of state of Vatican City during the “sede vacante,” the canon law term used when the papacy is vacant."
• "For the conclave, the camerlengo is now responsible for ensuring an “orderly election and its privacy”, according to Universi Dominici Gregis—the apostolic constitution governing papal succession."