Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and its first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m (Pope Francis Dies). local time in his Vatican residence, the Casa Santa Marta, following complications from double pneumonia.
A Papacy of Firsts and Reforms
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history upon his election in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. His 12-year papacy was marked by efforts to modernize the Church, including advocating for the poor, addressing climate change, and promoting interfaith dialogue. He also took progressive stances on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and the abolition of the death penalty.
Final Days and Legacy
Despite health challenges, Pope Francis remained active in his duties. He delivered his final Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica on April 20, 2025, and met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance shortly before his passing. His death has prompted tributes from global leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who praised his commitment to compassion and social justice.
What Happens When A Pope Dies?
When a pope dies, a solemn and well-established series of events is set into motion by the Vatican, guided by centuries of Catholic Church tradition.
Here’s what typically happens:
1. Official Confirmation & Announcement
- The pope’s death is confirmed by the Camerlengo (the Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church), who is in charge during the interregnum (the period between two popes).
- The Camerlengo officially declares the pope dead, seals his private quarters, and destroys his papal ring (called the Ring of the Fisherman) to prevent any misuse.
2. Mourning and Funeral
- A 9-day period of mourning (called novemdiales) begins, during which various liturgical rites are performed in honor of the deceased pope.
- The pope’s body lies in state inside St. Peter’s Basilica so the public and dignitaries can pay their respects.
- A funeral Mass is held (typically on the 9th day) and the pope is buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica or in a location of his choosing.
3. Sede Vacante (“The Seat is Vacant”)
- This is the period between the pope’s death and the election of his successor.
- During this time, most Vatican leadership is suspended and only essential operations continue under the Camerlengo.
4. Conclave to Elect a New Pope
- Within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death, the College of Cardinals (cardinals under 80 years old) gathers in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope in a secretive vote called a conclave.
- The cardinals are isolated from the outside world until a decision is made.
5. White Smoke, A New Pope
- Ballots are burned after each round of voting:
- Black smoke means no decision has been reached.
- White smoke means a new pope has been elected.
- Black smoke means no decision has been reached.
- After the new pope accepts, he chooses a papal name and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to give his first blessing: “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and to the world”).
Fun Fact:
If a pope resigns (like Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013), a similar process is followed, except the death protocols are skipped (Pope Francis Dies), and the resignation must be freely given and properly documented.
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