From the Death of Pope Francis to the Conclave: The Steps Towards the Appointment of a Successor

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, the Vatican has launched the traditional procedures to honor his legacy and appoint his successor.

Nine Days of Mourning

The period of sede vacante began immediately, during which the College of Cardinals assumes the management of the Church’s affairs. A nine-day mourning period (novemdiales) is observed, with daily Masses held in memory of the late pontiff. The body of Pope Francis will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. His funeral is expected to take place within four to six days of his death. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a reflection of his commitment to humility and simplicity.

Preparations for the Conclave

At the same time, the College of Cardinals meets in Rome to prepare for the conclave, the process by which a new pope is elected. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote; currently, there are 135 electors. The conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and 11, 2025, in accordance with the guidelines set by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

The Conclave Process

The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where the electors will be locked in, away from the outside world, to ensure confidentiality. Voting will occur in several rounds, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope. After each vote, the ballots are burned; black smoke signals an unsuccessful vote, while white smoke announces the election of a new pontiff.

The upcoming conclave is expected to address important issues for the Church, including governance reforms, doctrinal debates, and responses to global challenges. Among the potential candidates for the papacy are Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Robert Sarah, and Luis Antonio Tagle.

As the Church undergoes this period of transition, the global Catholic community reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and eagerly awaits the direction that the new leadership will take.