Following the announcement of the death of Pope Francis, a centuries old tradition begins
The ancient and strictly regulated process begins — it’s called Sede Vacante (“the seat is vacant”).
Firstly as has already began, the death is confirmed
This is done by the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, the cardinal temporarily in charge of the Vatican. He must officially confirm the Pope’s death. Then, he seals the papal apartments and notifies all cardinals.
After the Pope’s death all heads of Vatican departments immediately lose their authority, except for the Camerlengo and a few technical offices.
The papal seal and the Ring of the Fisherman are destroyed to prevent document forgeries.
All official documents are signed in the name of the Apostolic See — not in the name of any specific Pope.
The Pope’s body is displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public farewell. Four to six days later, an official mass and funeral take place, usually broadcast worldwide. The Pope is typically buried in the Vatican grotto beneath the basilica.
Fifteen to twenty days after the death, the Conclave begins — a closed gathering of all cardinals under the age of 80 (called “electors”).
They meet in the Sistine Chapel to choose the next Pope.
During the Conclave the Cardinals live in total isolation (phones and outside communication are blocked).
Two rounds of voting take place each morning and two each evening.
If no Pope is elected, black smoke rises from the chapel chimney.
If a new Pope is chosen, white smoke appears and the bells ring.
Once a new Pope is elected, he accepts the role, puts on the white cassock, and steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Then comes the iconic announcement: Habemus Papam! — “We have a Pope!”
