Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, ending an era at the Catholic Church. Under his leadership for over a decade, 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe were affected. The Vatican begins its ancient traditions with his death, signaling the passage to a new faith and leadership era. The article looks into the Vatican’s process, ranging from grieving to the election of a new pope.
Pope Francis’s health had been in decline for months. Even as he made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, it was clear his condition had taken a severe turn for the worse. Only a month ago, he had endured two near-death bouts of respiratory failure and had been admitted to the hospital. He had double pneumonia, doctors said, and he was put on mechanical ventilation.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025
Despite his critical condition, Pope Francis remained committed to his duties. He continued to receive important guests, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, even while gravely ill. His unwavering dedication to pastoral duties over personal health highlighted his strong leadership and deep sense of responsibility.
Minutes After Death: Vatican Rituals Begin
After Pope Francis died, the Vatican started its ceremonial rituals immediately. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, the Acting Camerlengo, was in charge of the succession process. His initial responsibility was to verify the pope’s death. After verification, the Camerlengo went ahead to prepare the body for the subsequent processes.
One of the oldest rituals is breaking the Fisherman’s Ring, which represents the end of the papacy. The Camerlengo breaks the ring with a special hammer, officially ending the pope’s reign.
As a continuation of this, the body of the pope is placed in a plain, zinc-lined wood casket. Keeping with the humble values of Pope Francis, he will have a modest burial. He will wear a white cassock and red vestments to show his simplicity and faith in the Church.
Vatican Mourning: World Bids Farewell
The Vatican will announce a nine-day mourning period, the Novendiale. Masses, ceremonies, and events will be held within the Vatican and throughout the world during this time. Catholics across the world will mourn and commemorate Pope Francis’ contributions.
There will be a public viewing, through which thousands of pilgrims, dignitaries, and officials will pay homage. In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be kept in the coffin, with no such big throngs.
Italy is also likely to announce a national day of mourning to pay tribute to Pope Francis, a symbol of peace, justice, and human welfare work. This would further highlight his significance not just to the Catholic Church but to the global world as well.
What Happens When a Pope Dies ?
When a Pope dies, there is a certain set of procedures, rooted in centuries of tradition. The first step is the verification of death, typically done by the Camerlengo, the papal chamberlain. The Camerlengo, upon verifying the pope’s death, will officially declare it to the public.
The body of the pope is subsequently prepared for the subsequent rituals such as the breaking of the Fisherman’s Ring to mark the conclusion of his papacy. The body is subsequently placed in a plain casket, and the period of mourning starts.
In the meantime, the Vatican prepares for the papal conclave where cardinals will later choose a new pope. Strict adherence to these rituals guarantees the smooth transfer of power within the Catholic Church and initiates a period of reflection and mourning across the world among the faithful.
Sede Vacante: The Seat of Power is Vacant
With the demise of Pope Francis, the Vatican goes into a sede vacante, or “the seat is vacant.” Sede vacante can last several days to some weeks. This is the period when the College of Cardinals temporarily assumes the function of running daily affairs of the Vatican. Still, their authority is not at full power—their role can be to control day-to-day affairs but they cannot make formal doctrinal and administrative decisions.
The main work of the College is to prepare for the papal conclave—the election of a new pope. Although they run operations, they are still powerless to make any real changes or decisions until there is a new pope elected.
Pope Francis Simple Burial
Pope Francis led a simple life, and that is what he will die like. Contrary to past popes, who were buried in several nested coffins, Pope Francis will be buried in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc. A rogito, or an official document of his life and achievements, will be added before the coffin is sealed.
Furthermore, a purse of coins struck under his papacy will be carried with him. Pope Francis will be interred in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he often went for private prayers. This resting place is a testament to his deep faith in the Church and affection for simplicity.
Cardinals Set to Elect a Successor
Following the funeral, the Vatican will set stage for papal conclave, a solemn procedure where the next pope shall be chosen. Usually, the conclave is held 15-20 days following the passing of the pope. Only cardinals below the age of 80 get to vote, and that leaves them with about 120 electors. The electors shall gather in the Sistine Chapel, where they will cast their votes in secret.
If a candidate does not get a two-thirds majority, the process is repeated, with multiple votes being held until there is a decision. The result of each vote is announced via the smoke in the chimney—black smoke meaning no decision, white smoke meaning a new pope has been elected.
After a new pope is elected, he will take office and adopt a papal name. News of the election is delivered with the now-famous shout of “Habemus Papam” from St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of a new papacy.
What’s The Future of the Church ?
The choice of the new pope will come with very serious questions about where the Church will be going. Pope Francis had a liberal view of social justice and of ecological activism. The new pope can continue on that path or try to turn towards more traditionalist teachings.
As the conclave draws near, arguments about the future agenda of the Church will only grow more heated. Will the next pope follow Pope Francis’ social agenda, or will he revert to more conservative teachings? The world’s Catholic community and the world in general will watch closely as the election is held and what it means for the Church’s future.
Pope Francis’ death represents the end of an era more than the demise of a human being. It represents the triggering of a process that will forge the future direction of the Catholic Church and how it will remain active on the international stage. With the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican gears up towards the election of another pope while Catholics worldwide reminisce about his legacy and try to imagine what the future will bring for the Church.
