This is one of the few Vatican issues struck under a sede vacante — the period between John Paul II's death in April 2005 and the election of Benedict XVI. Vatican coin production during interregnums is authorized by the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and the 2005 sede vacante issues are consequently among the most institutionally unusual euro-cent pieces in the series.
This is one of the few Vatican issues struck under a sede vacante — the period between John Paul II's death in April 2005 and the election of Benedict XVI. Vatican coin production during interregnums is authorized by the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and the 2005 sede vacante issues are consequently among the most institutionally unusual euro-cent pieces in the series.