The death of Pope Francis at age 88 from a stroke and heart failure has prompted reflections on the processes following a papal death. As thousands gather at the Vatican to honor him, senior Church officials prepare to select his successor through a papal conclave.
The conclave involves the College of Cardinals, who meet to discuss the Church’s needs before proceeding to elect a new pope. This election occurs in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals take an oath of secrecy and seal the doors to outside observers. Each cardinal votes privately by casting a secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected.
Typically, a conclave convenes 15 to 20 days after a pope’s death, but its duration varies significantly. The longest conclave lasted nearly three years, while Pope Francis was elected just a day after voting commenced in 2013.
Public notification of the new pope’s election is communicated through smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke indicates that no decision was reached, while white smoke signifies the selection of a new pope. Following this, the senior cardinal deacon announces the new pope from the St. Peter’s Basilica balcony.
Francis’ funeral service is set for 10 a.m. local time, attracting an estimated 200,000 mourners. The moment marks not just a loss but also a significant transition for the Catholic Church, culminating in the crucial selection of its next leader.
