What are some good resources for understanding the nature of how God's authority passes from Pope to Pope, including when the seat is vacant (which happens for a short time every time a Pope dies)?

I talked to a young gentleman a few days ago, and as we were discussing this, and I realized how poor a scholar I am, especially when it comes to details. (I wish I had time for books AND my growing family, but I don't think that's God's will for me right now)

Anyhow, I think it's good to be able to explain things clearly to others -- those who have questions, those who are confused, those who are in error -- and just to better understand our Faith.

Our Faith is important, and hence we should study it and be able to explain it as well as possible. It's the most worthwhile pursuit we could invest ourselves in. (Again, as long as you're not neglecting your duties of state...)

In Christ,

Matthew