The theological implications of sede vacante primarily concern the governance and ordinary operation of the Church during the interregnum between the death or resignation of a Pope and the election of his successor. Here's a breakdown of the key implications:

Limited Authority of the College of Cardinals

• Restricted Powers: During sede vacante, the College of Cardinals is entrusted with the government of the Church solely for the dispatch of ordinary business and of matters which cannot be postponed, as well as preparing for the election of the new Pope 1 2.
• No New Doctrine or Changes: The College of Cardinals has no power or jurisdiction in matters that pertain to the Supreme Pontiff during his lifetime or in the exercise of his office 3 4. Such matters are reserved completely and exclusively to the future Pope 3 4. Any act of power or jurisdiction exceeding the limits expressly permitted is null and void 3 4.
• Specific Exclusions: The College of Cardinals cannot make any modifications to laws already established, nor can they derogate from them, address doubts about them, or grant dispensations from them, especially concerning the process of electing a new Pope 1.
• Civil Power: The College of Cardinals assumes civil power relating to the government of Vatican City State, but cannot issue decrees except in urgent cases and only for the duration of the vacancy. These decrees require confirmation by the new Pope to remain valid 5 6 7.

Suspension of Certain Church Activities

• Councils and Synods: If the Apostolic See becomes vacant during an Ecumenical Council or a Synod of Bishops, the Council or Synod is immediately suspended ipso iure until the new Pope orders their resumption or continuation 8 9. All meetings must be interrupted, and the preparation of decrees or canons is suspended 8 9.
• Curial Institutions: Heads of curial institutions and members cease from their office when the Apostolic See is vacant 10 11. Secretaries attend to the ordinary governance of curial institutions, handling only ordinary business and requiring confirmation by the new Roman Pontiff within three months of his election 10 11.
• Dicasteries of the Roman Curia: The Dicasteries of the Roman Curia do not have the faculty to deal with matters that, under a reigning Pope, would require special papal approval or were granted via special faculties 12 13.

Continuity of Essential Functions

• Ordinary Business: The College of Cardinals is responsible for ensuring the dispatch of ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed 1 2.
• Vatican City State: The College of Cardinals takes on the civil governance of Vatican City State 5 6 7.
• Specific Roles: The Major Penitentiary continues to carry out ordinary business within their competence, referring matters to the College of Cardinals 10 11. The Almoner of His Holiness continues to exercise works of charity and remains at the service of the College of Cardinals 10 11. The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations assumes duties related to the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Roman Pontiff 10 11.

Governance in Dioceses

• Diocesan Governance: When a see is vacant, governance of a diocese typically devolves upon the auxiliary bishop or, if there are several, upon the one who is senior in promotion 14. If there is no auxiliary bishop, it devolves upon the college of consultors, unless the Holy See has provided otherwise 14.

In summary, the theological implications of sede vacante involve a temporary shift in governance, with limitations placed on the College of Cardinals to maintain the status quo and ensure the Church's essential functions continue until a new Pope is elected.