SEDE VACANTE23.5.2014
Your Eminences:It is with a grieving heart that I am to tell you that the Holy Father was certified as dead this morning in his chambers. I have declared this in the presence of the Apostolic Camera and other necessary officials and have, as is demanded of me, informed the Dean of the Sacred College. The Ring of the Fisherman has been taken into my possession and shall be destroyed before your Eminences by myself upon your arrival. According to the norms of Universi Dominici Gregis, the dicasteries are informed henceforth of the stripping of their faculties Sede plena and are ordered not to exercise their proper faculties without grave need or reason.
Furthermore, Your Eminences are now ordered to travel to Rome in order to convene the General and Particular Congregations. I remind each of you that you are obligated by sacred duty to take part in the General Congregation of Cardinals and, in time, the Papal Conclave. The Conclave will begin as soon as arrangements are made and the papal funeral has been completed. Your Eminences are invited to attend the papal funeral. Specific dates will be fixed for both once the General and Particular Congregations are assembled. In these matters, I remind your Eminences of the secrecy demanded of you by your holy offices.Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Gaius Cardinal Poplicola
Cardinal Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church