What happens to Vatican when Pope Francis dies?

The health condition of Pope Francis has thrown the Catholic world into uncertainty. The New York Times explored the ancient rituals the Vatican follows in the event of the Pope’s death. These rituals bring dramatic order to the papacy during its most transitional moments.

Pope Francis’ health and uncertainty surrounding his future

At the age of 88, Pope Francis has been hospitalized due to a lung infection and other serious health concerns. The Vatican announced that, after experiencing two acute respiratory attacks on Monday, the Pope’s condition is stable. They also confirmed that he has not had further attacks, is fever-free, and spends his time between prayer and rest. The Vatican mentioned that Francis is cooperating with respiratory physiotherapy and will be using non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the night.

The Pope had suffered two attacks following a bronchial spasm, although his condition showed signs of improvement over the weekend.

What happens if Pope Francis dies?

While the outcome of Pope Francis’ health is still uncertain, one thing is certain: the ancient rituals that will follow his death.

These carefully choreographed ceremonies ensure order during one of the most dramatic transitions for the Church.

Immediate actions after Pope’s death

The death of a pope is immediately confirmed by the head of the Vatican Health Department and the camerlengo, who becomes the de facto leader of the Holy See. The Pope’s body is dressed in a white chasuble and brought to his private chapel.

The role of camerlengo, currently held by 77-year-old American Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, is crucial in these proceedings. Along with other officials, he and the Pope’s family members gather for the ceremony at the chapel. The body is placed in a wooden and zinc-lined casket. The Pope is dressed in red vestments, with his mitre and pallium placed beside him.

Official documentation and securing Pope’s belongings

Following the ceremony, the camerlengo prepares an official document, including the doctor’s report, confirming the Pope’s death. He also secures the Pope’s personal documents and seals off the quarters in Casa Santa Marta, which were occupied by Francis during his papacy.

In line with tradition, the Fisherman’s Ring used by the Pope is ceremonially destroyed with a ritual hammer to prevent forgery.

Pope Francis simplified funeral rituals

Pope Francis brought a humble approach to the papacy, rejecting lavish vestments and the ornate papal apartments. His plans for a simpler funeral and ceremony were part of this vision. When rewriting the funeral rituals in 2024, he reduced some of the pomp that had been associated with past papal ceremonies.

Since the 13th century, papal bodies had been placed on a raised platform for public viewing. However, when Pope John Paul II died in 2005, his body was first displayed for several hours for the high-ranking cardinals and Italian officials. Francis decided to eliminate such rituals, opting for a public ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica. His body would not be placed on a raised platform but would remain inside the casket.

Humble funeral service

The funeral service and burial will likely take place within four to six days after the Pope’s death, lasting for nine days across various churches in Rome. Traditionally, the Pope was placed in three nested coffins made of cypress, zinc, and oak. However, as part of his new rules, Francis would be buried in a single wooden coffin lined with zinc.

The night before the funeral, the coffin will be sealed. The Pope’s face will be covered with a white silk veil, and the casket will include a small box containing coins minted during his papacy, along with a “rogito” listing key details of his life and papacy. Before sealing the casket, the rogito will be read aloud.

Francis’ burial location and new guidelines

New regulations allow for the Pope to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, a church he frequently visited to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary.

Conclave: How next Pope will be chosen

Within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s death, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will convene a conclave to elect Francis’ successor.

This period, known as sede vacante (empty seat), is when the College of Cardinals manages the general oversight of the Church, but no major decisions can be made.

Election process and significance of white smoke

Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel and take an oath of secrecy before voting in a secret ballot. Only cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope, and politics plays a role in the process.

After each vote, the ballots are burned, and a colored smoke is emitted. If no majority is reached, black smoke is visible. If a decision is made, white smoke rises from the chimney, signaling that a new Pope has been chosen.

Announcement of new Pope

Once the elected cardinal accepts the position, he is asked which papal name he wishes to take. The new Pope is then vested in a white chasuble in the chapel’s holy section.

After greeting the Cardinals, he appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal announces to the crowd, “Habemus papam,” meaning, “We have a Pope.”

The death of Pope Francis will mark the end of a significant era for the Catholic Church.