Pope Francis Has Passed — What Happens Now?
With sorrow and deep reverence, we share the news that Pope Francis passed away early this morning at 1:35 AM ET. As the 266th pope of the Catholic Church and the first Jesuit and Latin American pope in history, his legacy is one of humility, mercy, and steadfast concern for the poor and marginalized.
In moments like these, many people — both inside and outside the Catholic Church — wonder what comes next. The process that follows the death of a pope is steeped in tradition, prayer, and structure. It reflects both the human need to grieve and the Church’s divine calling to discern its next shepherd.
Here’s a brief overview of what happens now:
Stage 1: Confirmation of Death
The first step, now completed, is the confirmation of the pope’s death. Traditionally, this is marked by calling the pope’s baptismal name three times — a symbolic ritual to formally acknowledge his passing. In the modern era, the Camerlengo (the cardinal appointed to manage Church affairs during a papal vacancy) officially verifies the death and begins the transition.
Stage 2: Official Announcement and Mourning
The Vatican has now issued the official notification of Pope Francis’ passing, and the Church enters a period of mourning. Over the coming days, arrangements will be made for the faithful to pay their respects. Bells will toll, flags will fly at half-mast, and Catholics around the world are invited to pray for the repose of his soul.
Stage 3: Funeral and Burial
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held within the next week. His body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, allowing pilgrims and citizens alike to come and say their goodbyes. Traditionally, popes are buried beneath St. Peter’s — however, in 2023, Pope Francis revealed his personal wish to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, a Marian basilica in Rome where he often prayed and celebrated Mass.
Stage 4: Sede Vacante — The Vacant Seat
With the See of Peter now vacant, the Church enters a time known as sede vacante (Latin for “the seat is vacant”). During this period:
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All major Church decisions are paused.
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The papal apartment will be sealed.
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The College of Cardinals takes temporary charge of the Church’s day-to-day affairs and prepares for the election of a new pope.
Stage 5: The Conclave
In 15 to 20 days, the cardinals under the age of 80 will enter the Sistine Chapel for the conclave. Bound by oath and secrecy, they will pray and vote to discern the next pope. This sacred process continues until one man receives a two-thirds majority vote.
Stage 6: The Election
Once that majority is reached, white smoke will rise from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world that a new pope has been chosen. Soon after, the cardinal protodeacon will step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announce the famous words: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.”
The newly elected pope will then step forward, introduce himself by his chosen papal name, and offer his first blessing to the world.
A Time to Mourn and Pray
This is a significant and sacred moment in the life of the global Church. We grieve the passing of Pope Francis — a man who bore the weight of Peter’s ministry with gentleness, courage, and compassion. And we also look ahead with faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the Church into its next chapter.
Let us all pause to pray:
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
