Pope Francis’s Death: What Happens Now That He’s Gone?

Pope Francis has died at age 88, and what comes next is an ancient Vatican protocol called “Sede Vacante” that will culminate in the secret election of his successor through a process steeped in tradition dating back centuries.

Quick Takes

The Death Confirmation and Initial Protocol

Following Pope Francis’ death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, serving as camerlengo (chamberlain), performed the traditional confirmation by calling the Pope’s baptismal name three times with no response. This ancient ritual marks the official beginning of the papal transition period. The Pope’s personal seal, known as the Ring of the Fisherman, was broken to prevent any documents being authorized under his name posthumously, and his papal apartment was sealed to secure his personal belongings and documents.

The Vatican has now entered a nine-day mourning period called “Novendial,” during which Pope Francis’ funeral will be conducted with simplified rites. Unlike state funerals for many world leaders, papal funerals follow specific Catholic traditions while maintaining the dignity befitting the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. During this period, all major Vatican decision-making effectively pauses as the Church prepares for transition.

Sede Vacante: The Empty Throne

The Church has now entered what is known as “Sede Vacante” (vacant seat), the interregnum between two papacies. During this period, the College of Cardinals takes over governance of the Church, though with limited powers. The camerlengo manages day-to-day operations, but no significant changes to Church doctrine or major appointments can be made. This transitional governance ensures stability while preparing for the selection of a new Pope through the conclave process.

Cardinal Farrell now assumes temporary administrative duties as camerlengo, managing Vatican affairs until a new pope is elected. The governance during this period is deliberatively conservative — maintaining Church operations while making no substantial changes. This system, refined over centuries, ensures continuity during leadership transitions without allowing temporary authorities to make permanent changes to Catholic doctrine or practice.

The Conclave: Electing the New Pope

In 15 to 20 days, approximately 120 cardinals under age 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave. This highly secretive process begins with cardinals taking an oath of secrecy. Voting occurs through paper ballots that are folded and placed into a gold chalice. Each cardinal writes “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) followed by their chosen candidate’s name on special cards.

The cardinals hold two voting sessions daily until someone receives a two-thirds majority. After each inconclusive vote, the ballots are burned with chemical additives that produce black smoke visible from St. Peter’s Square, signaling to the waiting world that no decision has been reached. If no majority is reached within three days, voting is suspended for a day of prayer and reflection before resuming.

The Election and Presentation

Once a cardinal receives the required two-thirds majority, he is asked if he accepts the position and what papal name he chooses. The newly elected pope then changes into white papal vestments in the “Room of Tears” — so called because many popes are overcome with emotion upon realizing the magnitude of their new responsibility. The other cardinals then approach to pledge their obedience to the new pontiff.

The successful election is announced to the world when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Shortly after, a cardinal deacon appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), then announces the new pope’s birth name and chosen papal name. The new pontiff then makes his first appearance, delivering his initial blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) to the faithful gathered below.