April 21,2025
For the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion members globally, the passing of a pope represents a tragic and solemn moment.. Apart from the leadership transition, there is a multi-step ceremonial process honoring the deceased pontiff. Pope Francis died at 88 years of age and is remembered as a massive figure in modern Catholicism. The next few days and weeks in Rome signal the startup of a pre-planned period of mourning, followed by a conclave.
The Passing of Pope Francis
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and passed away on 21 April 2025, following a battle with chronic lung disease and pneumonia. He was the leader of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, through a historic papacy. He was the 266th pope, and his death will commence historic Vatican procedures associated with carrying out the transition.
First Steps: Verification and Mourning
After a pope dies, the camerlengo — Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the current camerlengo — calls the pope’s baptismal (Christian) name to verify the death and then destroys the Fisherman’s Ring and the papal seal. The pope’s residence is sealed and the cardinals are advised.
A funeral usually takes place within 4 to 6 days and is followed by a nine-day mourning period (Novendiale). Pope Francis has said he prefers to be buried at the Basillica of Santa Maria Maggiore vs St. Peter’s basilica, that is the normal burial site.
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The Conclave: Choosing the Next Pope
Around 15 to 20 days after the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals meets in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave. Only cardinals that are under 80 years of age can vote. Until a two-thirds majority is obtained, Cardinals continue to cast their votes. White smoke indicates an election, while black smoke indicates no decision.
Habemus Papam: The New Pope is Revealed
After the new pope is elected, accepts the office, and chooses a papal name, the senior cardinal deacon will announce from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new pope for the first time, and “Habemus Papam”. And then the new pope will bless the world.
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