How It Continues After the Death of Pope Francis

After the death of Pope Francis, more than 1.4 billion Catholics on earth are left without leadership. The election of a successor can occur relatively quickly - or it can drag on for weeks. An overview of what happens next:

Sede Vacante, Conclave: What Happens After the Pope's Passing?

Why doesn't the Pope have a deputy?

According to Catholic Church law, a pope rules unconditionally, and his power is indivisible. According to the doctrine of faith, he is the "Vicar of Jesus Christ" on earth and the successor of the Apostle Peter, who was appointed by Jesus himself.

The word pope is derived from Greek: "pappas" means "father." He is also the Bishop of Rome, Primate of Italy, and head of the Vatican, the smallest state in the world, as well as the non-territorial subject of international law, the Holy See. He is often called Pontifex, literally translated: the bridge builder.

What does Sede Vacante mean?

This term refers to the period until the election of the new pope. The duration cannot be precisely predicted. The term comes from Latin and literally means "empty chair." Over the centuries, the procedure has been modified repeatedly, but the main lines are established.

The death is confirmed by the Camerlengo, the Cardinal Chamberlain, together with the doctors. In the past, the Chamberlain would gently tap the lifeless pope on the forehead three times with a small silver hammer and call his baptismal name. In the absence of a response, the Pontiff was then declared dead. To this day, the pope's signet ring is removed from his hand and destroyed after his death. His office and private quarters are sealed.

During the Sede Vacante, no important decisions may be made in the Vatican. Ongoing affairs are managed by a college of cardinals. This includes, in particular, the preparations for the funeral services and burial, as well as the election of the successor.

What Do the Funeral Ceremonies Look Like?

The College of Cardinals decides when and how the body is to be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica. There, it is laid in state so that believers can pay their respects. The mourning ceremonies last nine days.

The burial usually takes place four to six days after death. Although it has recently been customary for the deceased to have their grave in St. Peter's Basilica, unlike his predecessors Benedict XVI from Germany and John Paul II from Poland, the Argentine Francis is expected not to find his final resting place in St. Peter's Basilica, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favorite places of prayer. Heads of state and government from around the world are expected to attend the farewell.

How Is Francis' Successor Determined?

No later than 20 days after the death, cardinals from all over the world who have not yet reached the age of 80 are to appear in the Vatican for the so-called conclave. The word comes from Latin: "cum clave," in English: "with the key."

The election of the new pope takes place under strict secrecy in the Sistine Chapel, beneath the famous ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo. Any communication to the outside that could be related to the papal election is prohibited.

The conclave can be over in a few hours, but it can also last weeks, months, or even years: there is no time limit. The longest election began in the fall of 1268. Only after two years, nine months, and two days was there a new pope with Gregory X. Nowadays, however, it usually proceeds quite quickly: Francis was elected in 2013 after a little more than 26 hours and five ballots. His predecessor Benedict XVI was decided after four rounds in 2005.

How Is the Conclave Composed?

All cardinals who are not yet 80 years old are eligible to vote - after the pope, they are the highest dignitaries of the church. The vast majority of today's voting cardinals were appointed by Francis. However, some were also selected by Benedict XVI and John Paul II. The largest group comes from Europe. However, Francis has particularly ensured that other world regions are much more strongly represented than before. As of April 21, 2025, 135 of the 252 cardinals are eligible to vote.

From Austria, there is currently one member of the College of Cardinals, namely the emeritus Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn. However, the 80-year-old is no longer eligible to actively participate in the election.

What Happens in the Conclave?

To be elected, the new pope needs a two-thirds majority. The first ballot in the Sistine Chapel takes place at the beginning on the first afternoon. The subsequent rhythm on the following days consists of two ballots in the morning and two ballots in the afternoon.

On the ballot paper, each cardinal writes "preferably in disguised but clear handwriting" under the sentence "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" ("I elect as supreme pontiff") a name and casts it into the ballot box. The counting then involves reading the names aloud and making tally lists. Subsequently, all submitted slips are threaded onto a string and burned.

For this purpose, there are two cast iron stoves in the Sistine Chapel. The older of the two stoves, in use since 1939, is where the ballots go. In the other, which was first used in 2005 during the election of Benedict, black or white smoke is produced with the help of chemicals. Both emissions lead to the same chimney, which can be seen on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

If none of the candidates has achieved the required majority, black smoke rises. White smoke means: We have a new pope. Sometimes the color is not immediately clear.

If the conclave drags on longer, rest days can be inserted so that the cardinals have time for prayers, reflection, and discussions. After a little more than 30 unsuccessful ballots, a runoff between the two candidates with the most votes is possible.

What Happens After the Election?

If the required majority is reached, the victorious candidate is asked if he accepts the election. This is actually a formality, but reportedly, for example, Benedict XVI hesitated. If the elected cardinal says yes, he becomes the new head of the Roman Catholic Church - and remains so until he dies or, which is very rare, resigns. The conclave is over. Outside and around the world, bells are rung along with the white smoke, such as the Pummerin in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Shortly thereafter, from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, it is announced to the whole world: "Habemus papam" ("We have a pope"). On this occasion, it is also announced what name the new pope has chosen. From the loggia, he himself gives the Apostolic Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and the world") for the first time. A great cheer always erupts from the waiting crowd.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.