POPE Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, plunging the world’s 1.4billion Catholics into mourning.
Here we take a look at what happens during this bereavement period, from funeral right to the election of a new pope.
On April 21, 2025, it was announced that Pope Francis had sadly died aged 88 following a “complex” battle with double pneumonia.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who is the Vatican Camerlengo, reflected on the life and career of the pope. In a statement, he announced, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, passed away and returned to the home of the Father.”
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
In his tribute, Cardinal Ferrell expressed deep gratitude for Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment as a devoted follower of Jesus. He entrusted the soul of the pontiff to the boundless and compassionate love of God, who is One and Triune.
What happens next?
When a pope dies, the Catholic Church enters a meticulously structured period of mourning and transition, rooted in centuries-old tradition.
Following the death of Pope Francis, the solemn process will unfold in several key stages.
These include official mourning and funeral rites, as well as the election of a new pope through the conclave.
Official mourning
The death is first confirmed by the Camerlengo — the official responsible for overseeing the transition.
Following the pope’s passing, medical professionals first confirm the death. The Camerlengo then officially announces the pope’s passing, usually by using the pope’s given name and confirming the absence of any response.
The Fisherman’s Ring and papal seal are ceremonially destroyed to symbolise the end of the deceased pope’s authority.
Then the papal apartments are sealed, before senior Church officials and the world are notified of the pope’s passing.
A nine-day period of mourning known as the novemdiales begins immediately.
Daily requiem Masses and special liturgies are held, with the pope’s body lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
The funeral typically takes place within six days of the pope’s death and is presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals.
Funeral rites
The funeral is a major global event, attended by heads of state, religious leaders and hundreds of thousands of mourners.
Following strict protocols, the pope’s body is placed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc and dressed in papal vestments.
Most popes are then buried in the crypt beneath St Peter’s Basilica.
However, unlike the majority of his predecessors, Pope Francis has chosen to be laid to rest in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighbourhood.
The conclave: Electing a new pope
After the funeral and the completion of the novemdiales, the College of Cardinals — those under 80 years old — will gather in Rome for the conclave, the secretive process to elect a new pope.
The cardinals are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel, where they take oaths of secrecy and independence from outside influence.
Voting is conducted in a series of secret ballots — black smoke from the chapel’s chimney signals an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope.
The conclave continues until a two-thirds majority is reached, at which point the new pope is asked if he accepts the role and, if so, what name he will take.
The announcement “Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!” — is then made to the world, marking the end of the interregnum and the beginning of a new papacy.
