What happens when the Pope dies from Cardinal's duties to choosing new leader
The passing of Pope Francis signifies not just the loss of a man, but also leaves millions of Catholics worldwide without a leader. Recognising the gravity of this role, what follows is a meticulously planned and rehearsed sequence of events that have been repeated over time, albeit with some modern adjustments. Pope Benedict passed away on New Year's Eve 2022, his funeral was held on January 5, 2023, presided over by the then Pope Francis. Last year, the pontiff approved a more modest funeral for himself, leaving behind some of the archaic rites and rituals. However, some traditions dating back to ancient Rome will still be observed. Destruction of the Pope's signet ring Upon the pope's death, it traditionally falls to the Camerlengo - a high-ranking Vatican official - to confirm the pope's demise. This role is currently filled by Ireland's Cardinal Kevin Farrell, reports the Irish Mirror. While doctors would have officially confirmed his death, the Camerlengo will visit the pope's private chapel and call out his name in an attempt to awaken him. When there is no response, his signet ring, which serves as the seal for official papal documents, is destroyed, marking the end of his reign. The papal apartments are subsequently sealed off. Nine days of mourning Once the Pope's passing is announced, a nine-day mourning period commences in the world's smallest country, known as the Novendiale. Italy typically also observes a national mourning period. The Pope's body will be blessed and then displayed in St Peter's Basilica for public viewing. Hundreds of thousands of individuals queue for hours to pay their respects. As Pope Francis lies in state, daily prayer services and Requiem Masses will be conducted in the Vatican and throughout the Catholic world. Funeral and burial The Pope's funeral is likely to take place in St Peter's Square to accommodate the maximum number of people in Vatican City for the service. It is usually presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals, a position currently held by 91 year old Italian Giovanni Battista Re. While more than 100 popes have been laid to rest in the crypts beneath St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis stated in a 2023 interview that he has chosen Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome, one of his most beloved and frequently visited churches, as his final resting place. This makes him the first pope in a century to be interred outside the Vatican. Voting for the next Pope Around two to three weeks post the funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene within the iconic Sistine Chapel to initiate a conclave - the highly confidential process of electing a new pope. Technically, any male baptised Catholic can ascend to papacy, though for over seven centuries, popes have been elected from the College of Cardinals. Throughout the annals of history, the majority of popes have hailed from Europe. However, the incumbent Pope is the pioneer non-European pontiff in 1,300 years, originating from Argentina where he was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936. On voting day, the cardinals are firmly ensconced within the Sistine Chapel, which is meticulously sealed off following their solemn oath of secrecy. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are granted the right to vote and achieving the papal seat demands a two-thirds majority. Post-vote, the ballots encounter flames inside the chapel's storied stove. An additional furnace emits a chemical compound, creating an informative plume seen externally through a chimney: Black smoke signals an ongoing search, whereas white announces the election of a new pope. "Habemus papam - We have a pope" After the pope is elected and white smoke rises, a representative from the College of Cardinals has the privilege of proclaiming Habemus papam, which translates to "We have a pope," from St Peter's Basilica's balcony. Following this, the new pope emerges onto the balcony to deliver his inaugural address to the global audience. Typically, popes hold their position for life, but there have been exceptions, such as Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013 at the age of 85 due to deteriorating health, becoming the first pontiff to abdicate in six centuries. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
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