What happens when the Pope dies?

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On April 21, the world woke up to news of the death of Pope Francis.

The death was announced by the Vatican who said he died at the age of 88. Pope Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He suffered various ailments in his 13-year reign, with severe complications in recent weeks. With his death, here is a look at what usually happens when the Pope dies.

Official declaration

Upon the pope’s death, the Camerlengo (Chamberlain) is responsible for confirming the passing. In the past, this involved calling the pope’s name three times; however, this practice has been discontinued, and medical confirmation is now standard.

The Camerlengo then locks and seals the papal apartments and destroys the official seal and ring of the Pope to prevent its misuse, symbolizing the end of the pope’s authority.

Nine-Day mourning period (Novendiale)

After the Pope’s death is confirmed, the Church officially enters a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale. During this time, the pope’s body lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. Each day during the mourning period, an honorary Mass is celebrated for the deceased pope in Rome, led by a different cardinal every day.

Sede Vacante

Next, the Church enters a period known as sede vacante (“the seat is vacant”). During this time, a senior cardinal takes over day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected. It is said that in this case, this will be Irish-American Kevin Farell and he will be in charge of overseeing the administration of the Church, though no significant decisions are made until a new pope is elected.

The Camerlengo assumes administrative duties, ensuring the continuity of the Church’s operations.

Funeral

For the Pope’s funeral, cardinals from around the world are expected to hold a series of meetings known as “general congregations”. This is when they will decide a date for his burial. The date has to be between the fourth and sixth day after the Pope’s death.

While Pope Francis’s immediate predecessors were buried in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, his burial will be different. Before his death, Pope Francis requested a simpler funeral with a wooden and zinc coffin and burial at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, rather than the traditional Vatican Grottoes.

The Conclave

Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, the College of Cardinals convenes in a conclave to elect a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. The cardinals are secluded in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world to prevent external influence.

Voting occurs in multiple rounds, with a two-thirds majority required to elect a new pope. If no decision is reached after several rounds, black smoke is emitted from the Sistine Chapel; white smoke indicates a successful election.

Announcement and Inauguration

Once a new pope is elected, the Dean of the College of Cardinals asks if he accepts the role. Upon acceptance, the new pope chooses a papal name. The Senior Cardinal Deacon then steps onto the grand balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims to the awaiting crowd: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”).

The newly elected pope then appears to greet the faithful, offering his first blessing as the leader of the Catholic Church.