What Happens After a Pope’s Death? The Process of Papal Succession
The death of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) on April 21, 2025, has triggered a period known as Sede Vacante (“vacant see”), during which the Catholic Church follows ancient rituals and procedures to elect a new Pope. This process, centered around the Conclave, ensures the continuity of the papacy. Below is a clear guide to the key steps:
1. Confirmation of the Pope’s Death
Official Verification: The Camerlengo, a cardinal tasked with managing Church affairs during the Sede Vacante, confirms the death alongside Vatican officials. Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 AM Rome time due to pneumonia.
Traditional Rite: The Camerlengo performs a ritual to verify the death, which, per Francis’ wishes, will occur at his Santa Marta residence.
Public Announcement: The Vatican communicates the death through official channels, informing the faithful and the world.
2. Funeral Preparations
Wake and Rites: The Pope’s body is prepared for a public wake, typically in St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis’ wake, starting April 23, 2025, will feature an open wooden coffin, without a catafalque or papal staff.
Funeral: Held 4-6 days after death, the rites are led by cardinals. Francis will be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, using a single wooden coffin with a zinc interior, breaking from the traditional triple-coffin custom.
Jubilee Continuity: The Vatican has confirmed that the 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations will proceed despite the Pope’s death.
3. Convening the Conclave
Timeline: The Conclave begins 15-20 days after the Pope’s death, allowing cardinals to gather in the Vatican.
Participants: Only cardinals under 80 can vote. Currently, 138 electors from 94 countries form the most diverse conclave in history, with 79% appointed by Francis.
Pre-Conclave Meetings: Cardinals hold General Congregations to discuss the Church’s challenges and potential candidates, setting the stage for the election.
4. The Conclave: Electing the New Pope
Setting: Cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel, sealed off (“con clave”) to ensure secrecy. They swear confidentiality under penalty of excommunication.
Voting Process:
Voting occurs in up to four daily sessions (two morning, two afternoon).
Each cardinal writes their candidate’s name on a ballot, placed in a urn after a solemn oath.
A two-thirds majority (approximately 92 of 138 votes) is required to elect the Pope.
Ballots are burned after each session: black smoke signals no decision, white smoke announces a new Pope.
Duration: The Conclave may last hours or days; Francis’ 2013 election took two days.
5. Announcing the New Pope
Habemus Papam: The senior cardinal deacon announces from St. Peter’s balcony: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”), revealing the chosen name and papal title.
Acceptance: The elected cardinal accepts and selects his papal name. Francis chose his name inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and a call to remember the poor.
First Blessing: The new Pope delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing (“to the city and the world”) from the balcony.
6. Start of the New Pontificate
Inauguration: The new Pope begins his ministry as Bishop of Rome. A formal enthronement ceremony may follow.
Current Challenges: Francis’ successor will navigate internal divisions, ongoing debates over clerical abuse reforms, and the Church’s role in a polarized world.
Context Following Francis’ Death
Francis’ Legacy: Dying at 88 after a 38-day hospitalization, Francis left a pontificate defined by simplicity, advocacy for the poor and migrants, and partial reforms. His diverse appointments of cardinals will shape the next papacy.
Conclave Outlook: With 138 electors from 71 countries, this Conclave is highly unpredictable. Conservatives may push for a shift, while Francis’ allies aim to preserve his vision.
Global Reactions: Francis’ death has sparked worldwide mourning. In Buenos Aires, a Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral highlighted his message of mercy and unity.
Summary for LiesHunter.Com
Following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, the Vatican enters the Sede Vacante. The Camerlengo oversees funeral rites and preparations. Within 15-20 days, cardinals under 80 gather in the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel, voting in secret until a new Pope is elected by a two-thirds majority. The process concludes with the Habemus Papam announcement and the new Pope’s first blessing. This time-honored ritual ensures the papacy’s continuity at a pivotal moment for the Church.
