Meanwhile in the Vatican Gardens ...

Sede Vacante first-day cover

The Camerlengo seals the papal apartments

Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone, Camerlengo of the Church, seals the papal apartments using his baton of office. The doors bear the arms of Pope Pius IX Mastai-Ferretti 1846-1878.

Euge bone serve et fidelis

We wish His Holiness Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI a long, happy and prayerful retirement as we head for a new phase in the life of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict's Arms by Marco Foppoli

The Arms of "sede vacante" - "the Empty Seat" including those of

Cardinal Bertone, currently in charge of the Church as camerlengo. The image is

by Giuseppe Quattrociocchi

Arms of Lt. Colonel MBH Ritchie D.S.O, O.B.E

One of our newest members, Mrs Avril Brown of Australia, sends us these arms which were granted to her great-grandfather, Lt. Colonel MBH Ritchie D.S.O, O.B.E, in 1929.

Salve, Norman MacSween

Welcome another new member, Mr Norman MacSween of London.

Salve, Ellsworth G. Stanton

Welcome to another new member: Ellsworth G. Stanton III MBE, KSJ, of New York City.

Arms: Argent a saltire Azure between four Cardinal birds volant proper.

Crest: Within a circlet of escallops Gules and violets Purpure a stag trippant Azure attired Argent.

Motto: Diliges Proximum Tuum, (Look after your neighbour).

Granted by: The College of Arms, 15 November 2001.