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The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on Easter Monday has set in motion one of the Catholic Church's most intricate and historic processes: the selection of a new Pope.
This solemn tradition has been followed for centuries, and with the death of the pontiff, the world watches as the Vatican prepares to choose its next leader.
Once the Pope’s death is confirmed, the Church enters a period known as Sede Vacante, meaning the "empty seat." During this time, the papal apartments are sealed, and the Swiss Guard intensifies its watch over the Vatican.
The funeral rites and a nine-day mourning period, known as the novendiale, follow, during which the Church and its faithful pay tribute to the Pope’s life and leadership. His body is laid in state for public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners will come to pay their respects.
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A key ritual immediately following the Pope’s death is the role of the Camerlengo, who is tasked with announcing the Pope’s passing. The Camerlengo calls the Pope’s baptismal name three times, and if there is no response, the Pope’s death is officially confirmed. He then removes the Pope's Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of his papacy, and destroys it, signifying the end of his earthly reign.
Once the period of mourning has passed, the Cardinals of the Church gather to elect the next Pope in a secretive process known as the Conclave. This typically takes place 15 to 20 days after Pope’s death. The Conclave is an ancient practice that involves the Cardinals, under the age of 80, casting votes in secret to select the new leader of the Catholic Church.
The Cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, their phones and any form of communication sealed away, and begin their deliberations. They chant the prayer Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come, Creator Spirit”) as they seek divine guidance. Each Cardinal writes down the name of their chosen candidate and places it into a chalice at the altar. After each voting round, the ballots are burned. Black smoke means no Pope has been chosen; white smoke signals that a new Pope has been elected.
Once a Cardinal has received two-thirds of the votes, he is asked whether he accepts the election. If he agrees, he takes on the name of his papacy. The new Pope is then dressed in white papal garments, prepared in three sizes to accommodate whoever is chosen. He returns to the Sistine Chapel, where each Cardinal kisses his hand in a show of loyalty.
The moment the new Pope is confirmed, the world eagerly waits for the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square cheers as the Senior Cardinal Deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”)
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Church moves forward in its quest for a new spiritual leader. The election of a Pope is not just a political event; it is a spiritual renewal for millions of Catholics around the world.
As the Cardinals vote, they invoke the Holy Spirit’s guidance, knowing the weight of the decision will shape the Church’s future. The conclave marks not just the passing of one era, but the beginning of another as the Catholic Church continues its mission across the globe.