Conversation so far:
What historical context is within Tosca?
The action of Tosca occurs in Rome in June 1800. There is neither a Pope nor papal government in Rome during the days depicted in the opera.
What date does Sardou state in his play Tosca?
La Tosca takes place in the afternoon, evening, and early morning of 17 and 18 June 1800
Is there any more historical context within the play Tosca besides ocurring in rome in 1800?
In Tosca Pope Pius VI was taken prisoner, and was sent into exile on February 20, 1798.

Question: What significance did not having a Pope have in the play?
Self-contained rewrite: What significance did not having a Pope have in the play Tosca?