What’s To Come Now That Pope Francis Has Passed Away?

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, has died at age 88, triggering an ancient process to select his successor while the Catholic Church enters a period known as “Sede Vacante.”

Key Insights

The Church has entered “Sede Vacante” (vacant seat), where Cardinal Kevin Farrell as camerlengo will temporarily manage Vatican affairs.
Pope Francis’ Ring of the Fisherman has been broken, symbolizing the end of his papacy.
A papal conclave will gather approximately 120 cardinals under age 80 in the Sistine Chapel within 15-20 days.
White smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signal when a new pope has been elected by two-thirds majority.

Death Confirmation and Initial Steps

As tradition dictates, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as camerlengo (chamberlain), confirmed Pope Francis’ death by calling out his baptismal name three times. With no response, the Pope was officially declared dead. Following the declaration, the Pope’s Ring of the Fisherman was broken, a symbolic act signifying the end of his pontificate. Vatican officials have sealed his papal apartment, beginning the formal transition process that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

The Church has now entered a nine-day mourning period known as the “Novendial,” during which Pope Francis’ funeral will take place with simplified rites. This somber occasion marks not only the end of his papacy but also initiates the formal succession process. The funeral is expected to draw world leaders, religious dignitaries, and thousands of faithful to Vatican City for a final farewell to the 266th leader of the Catholic Church.

What happens now that Pope Francis has died? https://t.co/TCm2wXB1G7 pic.twitter.com/5IURFM2Udt

— National Post (@nationalpost) April 21, 2025

The Sede Vacante Period

During the “Sede Vacante” period, the daily operations of the Catholic Church continue under the temporary leadership of the College of Cardinals. However, major decisions and new initiatives are paused until a new pontiff is elected. Cardinal Farrell assumes significant administrative responsibilities, including managing the Vatican’s finances and operations. The period marks a time of reflection and preparation as the Church prepares to select its next leader through a process steeped in tradition dating back centuries.

Within 15 to 20 days of Pope Francis’ death, the papal conclave will convene. During this transitional phase, the Vatican’s ceremonial guards continue their duties, though with subdued protocols reflecting the absence of a pope. Cardinals from around the world are already making travel arrangements to Rome, where they will participate in preliminary meetings to discuss the challenges facing the Church and potential qualities needed in the next pontiff.

The Papal Conclave Process

The papal conclave, a secretive gathering of cardinals under 80 years old, will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect Pope Francis’ successor. Approximately 120 eligible cardinals will participate in this ancient process, which begins with the formal Latin declaration “Extra omnes” (“everyone out”), after which the chapel doors are locked and the election begins. The cardinals will take an oath of secrecy, with violations punishable by excommunication, ensuring the deliberations remain completely private.

The cardinals hold two voting sessions daily, with ballots cast in a ceremonial gold chalice. Each cardinal writes his choice on a paper ballot, folds it, and places it in the chalice while stating an oath that he is voting according to his conscience. For a pope to be elected, he must receive a two-thirds majority vote. After each inconclusive vote, the ballots are burned with chemical additives producing black smoke visible from St. Peter’s Square, signaling to the waiting world that no decision has been reached.

Election and Introduction of the New Pope

When a cardinal finally receives the required two-thirds majority, white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney, announcing to the world that a new pope has been elected. Inside the chapel, the chosen cardinal is asked if he accepts the position. Upon acceptance, he chooses his papal name. He is then dressed in the papal vestments and receives the “Fisherman’s Ring,” symbolizing his authority as St. Peter’s successor and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

The climactic moment occurs when the senior cardinal deacon steps onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims to the waiting crowd, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”), announcing the new pontiff’s name. The newly elected pope then appears on the balcony to deliver his first apostolic blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”). This historic moment marks the end of the Sede Vacante period and the beginning of a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history.