Pope Francis Dies At 88: What Happens After His Death? How Will the Next Pope Be Chosen?

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at 88, the Vatican said in a video message. "This morning at 7:35 am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, went home to the house of the Father," the message stated. Argentine-born Pope Francis, who became pope in 2013 upon the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, died after years of failing health. His death concludes an era-changing papacy characterized by humility, reform, and commitment to the poor.

What Happens When A Pope Dies?

Following tradition, the camerlengo, currently Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is responsible for formally confirming the Pope’s death. According to tradition, he would utter the pope's name in the chapel to ascertain that he had indeed died. In contemporary times, this practice might be accompanied or substituted with official medical verification.

According to tradition, he will close the pope's private apartments with a seal and initiate preparations for the funeral. Upon the pope's demise, his Fisherman's Ring, which of the official signet for documents, gets defaced, indicating the lapse of his powers. The papal apartments likewise get sealed off, and then the College of Cardinals is advised before going public with it. No autopsy will be conducted, according to Church tradition.

Pope Francis had earlier indicated his desire to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, one of his favorite churches, rather than the usual burial site under St. Peter's Basilica. His burial and funeral are expected to occur within four to six days. The funeral will be conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Nine Days Of Mourning: The Novendiale

A traditional nine-day mourning period, known as Novendiale, will follow the pope’s death. During this time, the pope’s body will be dressed in papal vestments, blessed, and placed for viewing, although Pope Francis simplified these rites in 2024. But in November of 2024, Pope Francis did away with these rites and chose a simpler farewell. His body will be shown lying in a simple wooden coffin, doing away with the triple cypress, lead, and oak coffin system as well as the need for an elevated bier.

Election Of The New Pope: The Conclave

Almost three weeks later, the College of Cardinals will gather to hold a papal conclave within the Sistine Chapel. According to rules revised in January 2025, only those cardinals under the age of 80, now 138 out of 252, have voting rights. The conclave goes on in tight secrecy until the election of a new pope is made by a two-thirds majority. Balloting is followed by burning the ballots: black smoke indicates a failed vote, whereas white smoke confirms the election of a new pope.

Once a pope is elected, the Church’s senior cardinal will proclaim from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica the famous Latin phrase, “Habemus papam” (“We have a pope”). The newly elected pope will then appear to deliver his first blessing and address the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, had his papal name chosen to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. His legacy was one of advocacy for social justice, action on climate change, and an inclusive and empathetic Church.

With his death, the world says goodbye to a pope who reshaped the papacy of the 21st century.