The death of Pope Francis on Monday sets into motion long-standing Vatican traditions, marking the beginning of a period that will eventually see the election of his successor.
Sede Vacante
The Catholic Church enters a phase known as Sede Vacante (Vacant See), during which day-to-day responsibilities fall to the camerlengo (chamberlain). In this case, Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, will take on this role. Farrell is the sole senior official remaining in position, as others must step down following the pope’s death.
Traditionally, the camerlengo certifies the pope’s death by tapping his forehead three times with a special silver hammer, then calling out his birth name. Farrell will also oversee the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a gold signet ring that symbolizes papal authority, as a symbol marking the end of Francis’s papacy.
A Simpler Funeral
Following the pope’s death, cardinals will gather for “general congregations” to discuss funeral arrangements. They will set the date for burial, which must occur between the fourth and sixth day after death, and decide on the structure of the novemdiales—the nine days of mourning.
Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not in St. Peter’s. Additionally, his body will be placed in a single coffin made of wood and zinc, departing from the traditional use of three nested coffins (cypress, lead, and elm). These changes reflect Francis’s view of the pope as a humble servant of Christ rather than a worldly figure of power. His open coffin will be displayed for public veneration, a break from the traditional raised platform display.
The Conclave
The general congregations will also serve as a time for the cardinals to discuss potential successors, known as “papabili.” A conclave to elect the next pope will begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the pope’s death. The conclave is a private meeting of cardinals under 80 years old, who will select the next pope from among their ranks.
There are currently 135 “cardinal electors,” 108 of whom were appointed by Francis himself. The cardinals are divided by region: 53 from Europe, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 23 from Asia, 4 from Oceania, and 17 from South America.
The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals sworn to confidentiality under penalty of excommunication. Voting takes place twice each morning and afternoon, continuing until a candidate secures two-thirds of the votes.
Black smoke is emitted after each unsuccessful round of voting, while white smoke signals the election of a new pope. The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica will toll to announce the result.
Habemus Papam!
Once a new pope is elected, he is led into the sala delle lacrime (Room of Tears), a small sacristy where he can reflect on the gravity of his new role. The dean of the College of Cardinals, currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will ask the newly elected pope if he accepts the position and which papal name he wishes to use. At that moment, he officially becomes the bishop of Rome and pope.
Shortly afterward, the new pope will appear on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, and the senior cardinal deacon will announce the new pontiff with the traditional Habemus Papam! (“We have a pope!”).