The Pope, one of the most influential figureheads within the Christian religion, specifically the Catholic branch, passed away on Easter Monday at the old age of eighty-eight. News of his death shocked the entire world, and is news that millions of people have already heard; however, did his death come out of nowhere, and what will happen next?
Pope Francis had been battling respiratory illnesses for years, but it was in February 2025 that his health took a turn for the worse. Ever since the Pope was admitted into the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on February 14th, 2025, his condition worsened and his health deteriorated. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia four days later. Unfortunately he passed away due to a stroke that was soon followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.
But with the death of Pope Francis confirmed, millions are left unaware of the process of how a new Pope is chosen…
First, the Pope’s passing is confirmed and verified, then communicated to all relevant parties. Next, the Pope’s death is confirmed by the camerlengo, a cardinal appointed by the Pope who oversees the Vatican finances and property during a time when the Pope is dead or has resigned, who then relays the information to the people of Rome and other national leaders.
Second, the camerlengo locks and seals the Pope’s apartment in order to prevent looters. The Pope’s fisherman’s ring and seal are then destroyed, where a nine day mourning period follows, called the novemdiales. During these nine days, the College of Cardinals set the date for the funeral and burial. The burial of the Pope then occurs four to five days, in which the camerlengo arranges the funeral to the wishes of the Pope.
The conclave then begins around fifteen to twenty days after the Pope’s passing. Here, a vote is done to decide on who the next Pope will be by the College of Cardinals; however, those over the age of eighty are excluded from the vote, but are allowed to participate in preparatory meetings. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel, and is completely secret to the outside. However, if black smoke is seen, it means that the Cardinals will take another vote. If white smoke is seen, it means a new Pope has been selected.
Many are wondering who the next Pope will be and long it will take to come to an agreement.
News, Vatican. “Pope Francis Has Died on Easter Monday Aged 88.” Vaticannews.va, Vatican News, 21 Apr. 2025, www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html.
News, Vatican. “Pope’s Death due to Stroke and Irreversible Cardiocirculatory Collapse.” Vaticannews.va, Vatican News, 21 Apr. 2025, www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-death-due-to-stroke-and-irreversible-cardiocircula.html.
Treisman, Rachel. “What Happens next after a Pope Dies, according to Recent History.” NPR, 21 Apr. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/04/21/g-s1-61909/pope-death-funeral-conclave-timeline.
News, Vatican. “What Happens after the Pope Dies?” Vaticannews.va, Vatican News, 22 Apr. 2025, www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/pope-death-what-happens-interregnum-sede-vacans.html.
Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
