Pope Francis dies — a moment of immense significance for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers worldwide. At 88 years old, Pope Francis passed away after battling various age-related health issues, having spent over a month in hospital care. His death leaves the highest religious post in the Catholic Church vacant, triggering a centuries-old, deeply respected process at the Vatican to appoint a new leader.
The Official Process After a Pope’s Death
Once the pope dies, the Vatican immediately enters a solemn period known as the interregnum. This is the time between the pope’s death and the election of his successor. The camerlengo, the official responsible for administering the Vatican’s property and revenues, first verifies the pope’s death. Traditionally, he does this by calling out the pope’s baptismal name three times. If there is no response, the pope is officially declared dead.
In earlier times, officials gently tapped a silver hammer on Pope Francis — a moment of immense significance for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers worldwide. At 88 years old, his forehead was marked was marked to confirm his death — a practice they discontinued after 1963.
The Vatican then makes the news public through its official communication channels, informing Catholics and the rest of the world.
Securing the Papal Residence and Funeral Rites
Immediately following the announcement, the camerlengo locks the papal apartment. Historically, people did this to prevent theft, but now it marks the end of a pope’s reign. Officials destroy the Fisherman’s Ring, a key symbol of papal authority. Along with the official papal seal, symbolizing the conclusion of the pope’s leadership.
Following the guidelines of the Universi Dominici Gregis, the constitution governing papal transitions, the Vatican holds a pope’s funeral within 4 to 6 days after his death. Most popes choose to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica, unless they personally request burial elsewhere.
A nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales, follows the funeral.
How the Next Pope Is Elected
Roughly 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, the papal conclave begins. During this event, cardinals under the age of 80 gather in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Officials completely cut them off from the outside world — taking away phones, internet, and media contact.
The cardinals vote in multiple rounds, requiring a two-thirds majority to select a new pope. After each vote, officials burn the ballots: black smoke rises to signal no decision, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope.
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Official Announcement of the New Pope
Once a candidate accepts the role and selects a papal name — often inspired by saints or previous popes — the senior cardinal deacon steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces in Latin, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”). The newly elected pope then appears before the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, offering his first blessing as the head of the Catholic Church.
