Interregnum (disambiguation) facts for kids

An interregnum is a period of time when a country or organization doesn't have its usual leader. It's like a pause between rulers, such as kings, queens, or even popes. During an interregnum, things might be a bit uncertain until a new leader is chosen or takes over.

What is an Interregnum?

An interregnum happens when a leader leaves their position, but the next leader hasn't started yet. The word "interregnum" comes from Latin. "Inter" means "between," and "regnum" means "reign" or "rule." So, it literally means "between reigns."

When Leaders Take a Break

Imagine a game where one player finishes their turn, but the next player isn't ready to go yet. That short wait is a bit like an interregnum. In history, these periods could be very short, just a few days, or sometimes much longer, lasting for years.

Kings, Queens, and Missing Rulers

In countries with kings and queens, an interregnum can happen when a monarch dies and their heir hasn't been crowned yet. Sometimes, it happens if a ruler is forced to leave, and there's no clear person to take over right away. During these times, important decisions might be put on hold, or a temporary group might govern.

Popes and the Vatican

The Roman Catholic Church also has interregna. This happens when a Pope dies or resigns. The period between the end of one Pope's rule and the election of a new Pope is an interregnum. During this time, a group of cardinals, who are high-ranking church officials, manage the Church's daily business until a new Pope is chosen in a special meeting called a conclave.

Ancient Rome's Leaders

Even in ancient times, interregna happened. In the Roman Republic, leaders were called consuls. They were elected every year. If there was a delay in electing new consuls, a temporary leader called an "interrex" would be appointed for a short time. This "interrex" would help make sure new consuls were elected smoothly.

Other Uses of Interregnum

The word "interregnum" can also be used in other ways, beyond just leaders of countries or churches.

• It can refer to a solitaire card game.
• It's the title of a documentary film about the drawings of George Grosz.
• In science fiction, like in Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, "interregnum" describes a period of time between two large empires.