INTERIM. — A Latin term denoting the space of time elapsing between one event and another, and which, used specifically in the terminology of public law, alludes to the exercise of a function on a provisional basis, during the period in which the office is vacant.
The institution of the interim occurs most often in relation to organs of government, where, in the case of the absence, non-attendance, or resignation of a minister, provision may be made by appointing a minister holding another department as interim. This institution also finds application in diplomatic offices, including those of the Holy See, where the temporary head of a diplomatic representation is called chargé d'affaires ad interim. The powers deriving from an interim appointment, although theoretically the same as those deriving from a definitive investiture, are normally exercised, in accordance with the provisional nature of the appointment, in relation to urgent matters and ordinary administration.
In history, the name of interim is linked to the collection of thirty theological propositions which Charles V had promulgated, with the approval of the Roman Curia, at Augsburg on 15 May 1548, in order to calm the religious agitations that had arisen in Germany after the transfer of the Council of Trent to Bologna. The name of the collection alluded to its provisional character, since it was to remain in force until the definitive deliberations of the Council.
Serio Galeotti