Legal Definitions - sede plena

Definition: Sede plena is a Latin term used in history to indicate that a bishop's seat or position is not vacant.

Example: When the Pope dies, the Vatican announces "sede vacante," meaning the seat is vacant until a new Pope is elected. However, when a bishop is in office, the term "sede plena" is used to indicate that the position is filled.

Explanation: The example illustrates the definition of sede plena by showing how the term is used to indicate that a bishop's position is not vacant. When the Pope dies, the Vatican announces "sede vacante," which means the seat is vacant until a new Pope is elected. However, when a bishop is in office, the term "sede plena" is used to indicate that the position is filled.