When a pope dies, the Catholic Church follows a detailed and solemn protocol involving mourning, rituals, and the election of a new pope: Confirmation and Announcement of Death
- The pope's death is confirmed by medical professionals and officially declared by the camerlengo, a senior Vatican official who traditionally calls out the pope's baptismal name three times and verifies the death
- The camerlengo then destroys the pope's signet ring, symbolizing the end of his authority
- The Vatican publicly announces the pope's death, and flags are lowered while church bells toll worldwide
Mourning Period and Funeral Rites
- The Church enters a nine-day mourning period called the Novemdiales , during which special Masses and prayers are held globally
- The pope's body is prepared, dressed in papal vestments, and placed in St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing, allowing mourners, including world leaders, to pay respects
- The funeral Mass is usually held between four and six days after death, often presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals
- The pope is then buried, traditionally in St. Peter's Basilica, though recent popes like Francis have chosen different burial sites such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Interregnum and Election of a New Pope
- After the mourning period, the College of Cardinals gathers in a conclave, a secretive and ritualistic voting process held in the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pope
- The conclave begins between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death
- Cardinals vote multiple times daily until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Once elected, the new pope accepts and announces his papal name
- White smoke signals the election of a new pope, followed by the public announcement "Habemus Papam" from St. Peter's Square
This process ensures continuity and reverence for the papal office, reflecting centuries of Catholic tradition and ritual
