What Happens After Pope Francis’ Death?
A Step-by-Step Look at How the Catholic Church Chooses a New Pope
The passing of Pope Francis has marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church and its 1.3 billion followers worldwide. His death initiates a time-honoured process that has guided the Church for centuries – the selection of a new pope.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through what happens next, from the mourning period in the Vatican to the conclave and final election of a new pope. This process combines ancient tradition with subtle modern touches, and it all unfolds under intense global scrutiny.
The Mourning Period: What Is the “Papal Interregnum”?
After Pope Francis’ death, the Church enters a solemn period known as the Papal Interregnum – the time between the death of one pope and the election of the next.
Key Events During This Time:
Novendiales: A nine-day mourning period begins.
Funeral Preparations: The funeral must take place between the fourth and sixth day after the pope’s death.
Public Viewing: The pope’s body is placed in a coffin and displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners pay their respects.
Daily Masses: Special masses are held each day of mourning.
Funeral Mass: A major public event attended by world leaders and dignitaries.
Did you know?
When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, over 200,000 people gathered in Warsaw to honour his memory, and crowds lined up for miles in Vatican City to see his body.
Although many popes are buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis previously expressed a wish to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore, a historic church in Rome (Source: N+ Interview, Dec 2023).
When and How Will the New Pope Be Chosen?
The next major phase is the conclave, a secret meeting where eligible cardinals gather to elect a new pope.
Who Can Vote?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote.
Currently, 136 cardinals meet this criterion, though Church law caps participation at 120 (set by John Paul II in 1996).
When Will It Start?
Conclave typically starts 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death.
It may begin earlier if all cardinals arrive in Rome sooner.
How Does the Conclave Work?
The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals vote in complete secrecy.
The Voting Process:
Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a paper ballot.
The phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff”) is written at the top.
The ballots are collected and counted.
A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected pope.
Voting Schedule:
Up to four votes per day: two in the morning, two in the afternoon.
After three days, a day is set aside for prayer and discussion.
If no decision is reached, voting resumes in similar blocks.
How Will the World Know a Pope Has Been Chosen?
All eyes will be on the Vatican’s famous chimney. Here’s what to look for:
Smoke Signals:
Black smoke = No decision yet.
White smoke = A new pope has been elected!
Usually, 30 to 60 minutes after white smoke, the new pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
He will:
Be introduced by his new papal name.
Say a brief prayer.
Offer his first address as the new head of the Catholic Church.
His formal inauguration will be held a few days later, often in St. Peter’s Square.
Why the New Pope Matters So Much
The pope is the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics. His views, personality, and background shape the direction of the Church for decades.
What to Watch For:
Liberal or conservative path: Pope Francis was more progressive than many of his predecessors, making surprisingly inclusive comments on issues like homosexuality and the death penalty.
Handling of Abuse Scandals: The Church’s credibility has been damaged by numerous sex abuse scandals. The new pope’s stance and past record on this issue will be under intense scrutiny.
Global Outlook: Francis broke with tradition by being the first pope from outside Europe in centuries, hailing from Argentina. His successor’s origins may similarly signal the Church’s future focus.
In 2013, a group of abuse survivors released a list dubbed the “Dirty Dozen”, criticising certain cardinals for their handling of abuse allegations. Most of those cardinals are no longer eligible, but the memory lingers.
Final Thoughts
As the world mourns Pope Francis, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals and the sacred task ahead. Choosing a new pope is not just about tradition – it’s a decision that will shape the future of the Catholic Church and its approach to modern issues.
This moment represents both an end and a beginning. The world waits – watching for white smoke, and for the next chapter in the history of the Vatican to unfold.
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