Pope Francis Has Died at 88: What Comes Next?

Pope Francis Has Died at 88: What Comes Next?

After the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church embarks on the sacred tradition of electing a new pope, a process steeped in history and spiritual significance.

Quick Takes

  • Pope Francis has passed away, commencing the Interregnum period.
  • Cardinal Kevin Farrell has confirmed Francis’s death, triggering ‘Sede Vacante.’
  • A nine-day mourning period, ‘Novendial,’ follows the pope’s death.
  • The conclave held in Sistine Chapel will elect a new pope within 15-20 days.
  • A two-thirds majority vote is needed in secret conclave proceedings.

The Passing of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has died at age 88. His death marks the beginning of Interregnum—a solemn interval before the determination of a new pope. This interval involves the College of Cardinals and the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who called out the pope’s baptismal name three times to confirm his death. The period also signifies the breaking of the Pope’s Ring of the Fisherman and the sealing of his apartment.

Pope Francis’ passing has set the Catholic Church into a structured yet poignant cadence of activity. The ‘Novendial’ is a nine-day mourning tenure concluding with the saintly and simplified rites of the Pope’s funeral, a demonstration of gratitude and respect for his legacy. This marks the onset of ‘Sede Vacante,’ translating to ’empty seat,’ symbolizing the vacant papal office.

The Conclave’s Secrecy and Process

The conclave is a secretive assembly, taking place in the historic Sistine Chapel. Cardinals under the age of 80, approximately 120 in number, are tasked to elect the new pontiff. This process must begin between the 15th and 20th day after the Holy Father’s demise. Two daily ballots are cast in secrecy, requiring a two-thirds majority to complete the election. Votes are cast on cards marked with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem”—“I choose as Supreme Pontiff.”

Unsuccessful votes are communicated by black smoke billowing from the chapel’s chimney. The faithful, gathered in anticipation, watch for the white smoke signaling a successful election. When consensus is reached, the senior cardinal deacon presents the new pope with the momentous question of acceptance and selection of a papal name.

Proclamation of the New Pope

Upon the election of a new pontiff, the announcement “Habemus Papam!”—“We have a Pope!”—resounds from St. Peter’s Basilica, ushered by a cardinal deacon. The newly elected pope, embodying a legacy continued, takes his place in service to the Church. Sitting on the throne in the chapel, the pope receives the cardinals’ vows of obedience, followed by his first blessing and address to the devoted throngs at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis’ era concludes, leaving the Church’s leadership at a crossroads. His life and service remain subjects of global reflection as the Catholic community awaits the guidance and vision of the newly summoned successor.

Sources

  1. Pope Francis dead: How will the new pope be elected? Is there a voting? Here’s all about the papal conclave
  2. What Happens After Pope Francis’ Death? ‘Sede Vacante’ Explained
  3. What happens now that Pope Francis has died?

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