From the moment of death to the election of a new pope, here’s what happens when the leader of the Catholic Church passes away:

The Confirmation and Announcement of Death 

When a pope dies, the Vatican follows a meticulous protocol. The confirmation of the death of the pope happens in his private chapel. The camerlengo, a high-ranking Vatican official (think of a camerlengo as the chief of staff to a president), is responsible for confirming the pope’s death. He calls the pope’s baptismal name three times, confirming there is no response. He is called by his baptismal name because the papal office ends at death.  

The camerlengo then destroys the papal ring, an official symbol of the pope’s authority, preventing its future use.  

The pope’s room will be sealed after that confirmation of his death. Sealing the papal apartments dates back to ancient times, when there was fear of looting the pope’s property following their death. While that’s not as much of a concern today, the tradition still stands. 

Once his death is confirmed, the Vatican publicly announces the death.  The Church enters into a nine-day mourning period, called the novemdiales, during which multiple Masses are held in honor of the late Pope. Flags are lowered, church bells toll, and Catholic communities around the globe enter a time of prayer and remembrance.  

Masses for Pope Francis will be held around the world. There will be a Mass in the Archdiocese of Denver, coinciding with Pope Francis’ funeral, and one to close the mourning period. 

The Pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day after his death. 

The period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one is called the sede vacante, or “the seat is vacant.” During that time, the College of Cardinals keeps general oversight of the church, but it is barred from making any major decisions. 

Where will the Pope be buried? 

Traditionally, popes are typically buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, but Pope Francis is choosing a different location, a church very near and dear to him in Rome. Pope Francis will be buried at St. Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), the very site where he sought the Blessed Mother’s intercession and guidance throughout his papacy. There are 5 other popes buried there. 

How is a new pope chosen?  

Within 15 to 20 days of the pope’s death, the dean of the College of Cardinals will summon cardinals from around the world to Rome for what is known as a conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor.  

When the cardinals meet for the conclave, they gather in the Sistine Chapel. The chapel is then sealed, ensuring secrecy. Cardinals are not allowed to leave the conclave except in rare cases. The word conclave – from the Latin “with key” – refers to the isolation imposed on them, meant to keep the electoral process from dragging on. 

All cardinal electors must swear an oath of secrecy and vote by secret ballot. Only cardinals under age 80 are eligible to vote.  

The cardinals cast repeated votes until a two-thirds majority emerges. After every vote, smoke is released through a chimney that can be seen from St. Peter’s Square, where crowds typically form to watch and wait. If a vote ends without a two-thirds majority, the smoke is black. The smoke is created by burning the ballots that had been cast along with an added chemical compound.   

Once a two thirds majority has been accomplished, the dean of the college asks the chosen successor whether he accepts the job. After getting the presumed yes, the dean asks him for the name he wishes to be called as pope.  

How will we know when they choose a new pope? 

White smoke will emerge from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, signaling the election of a new pope.  

• The white smoke symbolizes purity, unity, and hope for renewal within the Church. 

• The smoke is now accompanied by the ringing of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica. This is because it was sometimes difficult to tell whether the smoke was white or black. The bells make it clear.  

• The Vatican now uses chemical compounds to produce the white smoke.  

• The smoke is tested to ensure that it doesn’t turn white as the soot flakes break up.  

• Historically, before advanced communications, this use of black or white smoke provided a visible sign that people could observe from afar, even if they couldn’t be near the Sistine Chapel. This method allowed all Catholics, regardless of language or distance, to witness the announcement in real-time and understand its meaning. 
• The use of smoke is a tradition that continues today even with television and digital coverage. 

What happens once the white smoke is released? 

In the sacristy of the chapel, the new pontiff is dressed in a white cassock. After greeting the cardinals, he proceeds to a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaims, in Latin, “Habemus papam” or “We have a pope.” 

The symbolism of the white smoke resonates deeply, representing purity, unity, and the hope for renewal within the Church. It marks not only the selection of a new leader, but also the beginning of a new era in Catholicism. 

The symbolism of smoke has deep roots in the Church’s history. In the Old Testament, smoke was a sign of God’s presence and intervention, such as when smoke rose from Mount Sinai’s burning bush as Moses received the Ten Commandments. Similarly, the smoke from the conclave serves as a reminder of the divine guidance sought by the cardinals in selecting a new pope. The black smoke embodies patience and reflection, while the white smoke heralds a new chapter, representing clarity, divine choice, and guidance. 

After the white smoke emerges and the bells ring out the good news? 

Shortly after the announcement of the election of the new pope, he will appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square to give his first blessing to the crowd gathered.   

Has there ever been an American Pope? 

No, there has never been an American pope. However, Pope Francis, who was born in Argentina to Italian immigrants, is sometimes called the first ‘American’ pope because he is the only pontiff from the Western Hemisphere (South America).  

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic School honors the late Pope Francis. 

We thank God for his years as pope and all the ways that he tirelessly worked to serve the Church.  Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul, as well as for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect our next Holy Father.  We will pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet after 8am Mass on Wednesday for the soul of Pope Francis. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace.