The world recently mourned the passing of Pope Francis, a kind and humble leader who changed many things in the Catholic Church. As people from all over the globe remember his life, many are wondering: what happens when a pope dies?
In this blog, we will explain everything in simple words — what the Vatican does when a pope passes away, how a new pope is chosen, and why this event is so important for Catholics and others around the world.
Who Was Pope Francis?
Before we talk about what happens after a pope dies, let’s remember who Pope Francis was.
Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013. He was the 266th pope and the first one from Latin America (he was from Argentina). He was also the first Jesuit pope. Many people loved him because he was down-to-earth, kind, and spoke up about climate change, helping the poor, and treating everyone with respect.
Now, after his death on 21 April 2025, the Catholic Church has entered a very special and sacred time. Let’s explore what happens next.
Step 1: Official Announcement and Mourning
When a pope dies, the first thing the Vatican does is announce it to the world. This is a very serious moment. Bells ring in the Vatican and in churches around the world. Many people gather to pray and remember the pope.
After the death, the Church begins a traditional nine-day mourning period. This is called Novemdiales, which is Latin for “nine days.” During this time, special prayers and masses are held each day for the pope’s soul.
The body of the pope is usually kept at the Casa Santa Marta (his residence) for some hours or days. Then it is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica, where people from all over the world can come to pay their respects. Pope Francis’s body is lying in an open coffin, and many visitors are already lining up to say goodbye.
Step 2: Preparation for Burial
Pope Francis made a special choice before he died — he wanted a simpler funeral and burial. Usually, popes are buried in a special place under St. Peter’s Basilica, but Pope Francis asked to be buried at Basilica of St. Mary Major, a beautiful church in Rome. This shows how humble he was, even in death.
Traditionally, popes are buried in three coffins — one made of cypress wood, one of lead, and one of elm wood. These coffins protect the body and carry important documents like a copy of the pope’s biography and medals from his time as pope. But Pope Francis chose to skip this triple-coffin tradition, keeping things simpler.
Step 3: The Funeral of a Pope
A pope’s funeral is a major event. It is held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Thousands of people attend — world leaders, bishops, priests, and ordinary people.
The ceremony is led by a senior cardinal, usually the Dean of the College of Cardinals. This time, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will lead the funeral on Saturday, 26 April 2025.
The funeral includes many prayers, songs, Bible readings, and a homily (a short message about the pope’s life). After the service, the pope’s body is taken to its final resting place.
The funeral marks the end of the mourning period and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
Step 4: Sede Vacante — The Time Without a Pope
When a pope dies, the Church enters a special time called Sede Vacante, which means “the seat is empty” in Latin. This means there is no pope leading the Church.
During this time, the College of Cardinals — a group of senior bishops from around the world — take care of the Church. But they cannot make any big decisions. Their main job is to prepare for the next big step: choosing a new pope.
Step 5: The Conclave — Choosing a New Pope
After the mourning period ends, the cardinals gather in Vatican City for something called the Conclave.
The Conclave is a secret meeting where they choose the new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. Right now, there are about 120 of them who can take part.
Here’s how the Conclave works:
- All the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel and take an oath to keep everything secret.
- They vote using paper ballots.
- To be elected, one person must get two-thirds of the votes.
- After each vote, the ballots are burned. If no pope is chosen, black smoke comes from a small chimney on the roof of the chapel.
- If a pope is chosen, white smoke appears — a signal to the world that a new leader has been picked.
This is a very old tradition and has stayed the same for centuries. The new pope is then asked if he accepts the role. If he says “yes,” he chooses a new name, wears the white robe, and steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the people.
What Happens After a New Pope Is Chosen?
After a new pope is elected, he becomes the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics around the world. He takes on a big responsibility — guiding the Church, making decisions, and being a moral voice in the world.
The new pope will also work with other Church leaders, meet presidents and kings, and speak out on global issues like poverty, war, and the environment.
People all over the world will be watching to see who is chosen next and what kind of leader he will be.
Why This Matters to the World
Even if you are not Catholic, the pope is a very important world figure. He speaks on behalf of many people and often calls for peace, love, and understanding between different religions and countries.
Pope Francis, for example, spoke out against war, supported migrants and refugees, and encouraged young people to care for the earth. His death is not only a loss for the Catholic Church but for many others who admired him.
The next pope will have big shoes to fill, but he will also have a chance to bring new energy, new ideas, and new hope to millions.
The death of a pope is a rare and deeply moving event. It reminds us of tradition, faith, and the power of spiritual leadership. As the Catholic Church mourns Pope Francis and prepares to choose a new leader, the whole world watches with respect and curiosity.
Whether you are religious or not, it is fascinating to see how ancient rituals continue to shape modern life. From the bells of Vatican City to the white smoke of the Sistine Chapel, this is history in the making.
Let us remember Pope Francis for his kindness, humility, and courage — and look ahead to the next chapter in the story of the Catholic Church.