In a somber moment for the global Catholic community, Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. After battling numerous age-related health issues and spending over a month in the hospital, his passing marks the end of an era while ushering the Vatican into an interregnum phase. During this period, the intricate process of selecting a new pope begins, leaving the highest position within the Catholic Church temporarily vacant.
Procedures following the Pope’s passing
Upon a pope's death, the Vatican enters the interregnum, the interval between papacies. Traditionally, this process begins with the camerlengo, the Vatican's administrator responsible for property and revenues, confirming the pope's passing. This involves calling out the pope’s baptismal name three times. The historical ritual of tapping the pope's forehead with a small silver hammer, however, was discontinued after 1963.
The Vatican then communicates the solemn news to the world via its official channels.
Next, the papal apartment is ceremonially sealed by the camerlengo—a practice originally intended to prevent looting. The camerlengo also oversees the symbolic destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and the pope’s official seal, signifying the end of his papal authority.
According to the constitution *Universi Dominici Gregis*, which outlines the papal transition procedure, the pope's funeral must take place within 4 to 6 days of his death. Traditionally, the pope is laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica, unless he has indicated a different final resting place. A prescribed nine-day mourning period follows the funeral.
Selection of a new Pope**
The papal conclave, tasked with electing the new pope, commences approximately 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death. Cardinals under the age of 80 convene at the Vatican to undertake this secretive and sacred responsibility. Inside the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, they are isolated from the outside world, devoid of media or phone contact.
The cardinals engage in several voting rounds, each followed by the burning of ballots. The world watches for the symbolic smoke from the chapel chimney: black indicating deliberation continues, and white heralding the successful election of a new pope.
Proclaiming the new Pope
Upon election, the chosen candidate is formally asked to accept the papal mantle. If he consents, he selects a new papal name, often inspired by saints. Then, from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Senior Cardinal Deacon announces, "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope"). Shortly thereafter, the newly elected pope steps forward to greet the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, bestowing his first blessings as the leader of the Catholic Church.