4.13. What is the historical justification for sacraments and episcopal consecrations during a vacant See?

The Church has always endured periods without a pope (sede vacante), sometimes lasting years (e.g. 1268–1271). During such times, bishops continued to ordain, confirm, and administer sacraments. More importantly, episcopal power comes from Christ, not from the Pope per se.

Canon Law (1917, c. 209) and traditional theology affirm that in times of necessity, ecclesia supplet—the Church supplies jurisdiction where needed. Bishops consecrated for the preservation of the true faith and sacraments do so not in defiance of papal authority, but in obedience to the higher law of necessity: salus animarum suprema lex est—the salvation of souls is the highest law.