The Catholic Church has been hit by the devastating news of the death of its leader, Pope Francis, who had been battling illness for some months.
The death of the 88-year-old pontiff was announced by several global news platforms on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Pope Francis’ death will leave many Catholics and Christians wondering what is next.
The Catholic Church has traditions that are to be followed in the event of the death of a Pope, to the election of a new one.
Below is a breakdown of things that are expected to happen following the death of Pope Francis.
1. Confirmation of death by a Camerlengo:
A senior Vatican official called the Camerlengo, who is the administrator of the property and the revenues of the Holy See, is expected to confirm the Pope’s death.
He does this by calling the Pope’s baptismal name three times. The Camerlengo may tap the Pope’s forehead with silver three times as he mentions his name. If there is no response, the Pope is officially declared dead.
2. Breaking the Fisherman’s Ring
The second thing expected to take place is the breaking of the Pope’s ring, which is called the Fisherman’s Ring.
The Pope’s signet ring is made of gold, and it has a picture of the first Pope, St. Peter, fishing.
The ring serves as the official seal for documents of the Pope.
The ring of the dead Pope is taken to the College of Cardinals, where it is scratched or broken to ensure that it can never be used again.
The ring is destroyed to symbolise the end of the Pope’s papacy. It is also to prevent the forgery of documents.
3. Sealing of the Pope’s residence:
The third step is the sealing of the Pope’s residence in the Apostolic Palace, which is ordered by the Camerlengo.
The personal effects of the Pope are also kept in the locked residence.
The Pope’s office and study within the Vatican are also sealed. This is to prevent unauthorised access.
The documents of the deceased Pope are also secured.
Once a new Pope is elected, the seals to the apartment and offices are broken and prepared for the new pontiff.
4. Announcement and period of mourning
After the death of the Pope is confirmed by the Camerlengo, he relays the information to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and the Vatican officially announces his death.
A nine-day mourning period, called Novemdiales, is declared.
5. Lying in state
The next step is the display of the Pope’s body in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
The body may lie in state for at least three days.
6. The Pope’s burial Mass
The next thing expected to happen is the funeral, which is typically held in St Peter’s Square within four to six days of his death.
The mass, which is attended by thousands of church faithful, is presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
After the mass, the Pope will be buried.
The burial location depends on the Pope’s wishes – many are interred in the Vatican Grottoes.
7. Sede Vacante
After the Pope is buried, the period Sede Vacante, which translates as “the seat is vacant,” begins.
During this period, the College of Cardinals, led by the Camerlengo, assumes temporary leadership of the Church.
They cannot, however, make major decisions, including changes in church doctrine or appointments.
This period lasts until a new Pope is elected, which is about 15 days from the death of the pontiff.
8. The calling of the Conclave to elect a new Pope
Then follows the calling of the Conclave for the election of the new Pope by the Dean of the College of Cardinals after the mourning period has concluded.
All the Cardinals of the Catholic Church are expected to be in Rome after the call.
The Cardinals have a series of meetings before the Conclave. Those who are not able to attend are excluded from the Conclave.
9. The Conclave
The Cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope.
Before the voting commences, the Cardinals take the oath of secrecy, which is to ensure that all that happens in the Conclave is kept confidential.
They vote in secret until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
A white smoke signals the election of a new Pope, while black smoke indicates inconclusive voting.
No Cardinal is allowed to leave the Sistine Chapel until a new Pope is elected.
The Cardinals may vote for any male Catholic in the world they think should be the Pope, including the Cardinals.
10. Announcement of the new Pope
When a person gets two-thirds of the vote at the Conclave, he is asked if he accepts the election.
If he accepts, he is the new Pope, and he is asked to choose a papal name.
The Dean of the College of Cardinals then announces “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The new Pope emerges at the balcony and gives his first blessing.
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