Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. The Vatican confirmed his death at 7:35 a.m. local time after a period of declining health.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, Pope Francis made history in 2013 as the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium.
His papacy was marked by a commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities.
Final Days and Health Challenges
In the months leading up to his death, Pope Francis faced several health issues, including hospitalizations for respiratory infections and double pneumonia. Despite his ailments, he continued his pastoral duties, delivering his final “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Easter Sunday from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
On the eve of his passing, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who later remarked on the pontiff’s frailty during their meeting. Vance shared that the Pope, though visibly ill, offered gifts and blessings, reflecting his enduring compassion.
Global Tributes and Mourning
News of Pope Francis’s death elicited an outpouring of condolences from leaders worldwide. President Donald Trump expressed his respects, sharing images of his and Vance’s meetings with the Pope.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen lauded the Pope’s humility and dedication to the less fortunate.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute, highlighting his advocacy for the vulnerable and his role as a reconciler.
In Italy, the impact of his death was profoundly felt. Serie A, the top professional football league, postponed seven matches scheduled for Easter Monday, including games from both Serie A and the Primavera 1 under-20 competition. Clubs like AS Roma and Lazio FC issued heartfelt tributes, emphasizing the Pope’s influence on global communities through his faith and humility.
Funeral Arrangements and Succession
The Vatican has announced that the rite of ascertainment of death and placement of Pope Francis’s body in the coffin will take place on Monday evening. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the ceremony in the Chapel of the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, making him the first pope to be interred outside the Vatican since Pope Leo XIII in 1903.
The period of “sede vacante” has commenced, during which the College of Cardinals will govern the Church’s day-to-day affairs. A conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025, depending on the arrival of all cardinal electors in Rome.
Legacy of Pope Francis
Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis was known for his efforts to modernize the Church and address contemporary issues. He emphasized mercy, inclusivity, and social justice, often focusing on the plight of the poor and marginalized. His approach to leadership was characterized by simplicity and a departure from traditional papal grandeur.
Pope Francis’s commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue earned him respect across religious and political spectrums. His teachings and actions have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world at large.
What Happens Next: Vatican Protocol and the Path to a New Pope
Following the death of a pope, the Holy See enters a period known as sede vacante — Latin for “the seat being vacant.” During this time, the College of Cardinals assumes governance of the Catholic Church’s routine affairs until a new pontiff is elected.
The transition is carefully governed by rules laid out in the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, last updated in 1996 by Pope John Paul II and amended by Pope Benedict XVI.
Step 1: Verification and Preparation
After the formal declaration of Pope Francis’s death, his Fisherman’s Ring — the official papal signet — will be destroyed to prevent its misuse. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo (Chamberlain), is overseeing this phase. His responsibilities include securing the late Pope’s personal chambers, organizing the funeral rites, and managing the Church’s temporal affairs during the vacancy.
Pope Francis will lie in state for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica, where faithful from around the world can pay their respects. His funeral is expected to take place within four to six days following his death, with specific details to be released by the Vatican in the coming hours.
Step 2: The Conclave
Once the mourning period concludes, preparations will begin for the papal conclave — the secretive gathering where eligible cardinals under the age of 80 elect the new pope.
- The conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel.
- 129 cardinal-electors are expected to participate.
- Each cardinal swears an oath of secrecy before voting.
- Daily ballots are cast until a two-thirds majority selects the new pope.
If no candidate receives the required votes after multiple rounds, cardinals may consider frontrunners and reassess in subsequent votes. White smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney signals a successful election; black smoke means no decision has been made.
The new pope will then be asked if he accepts the election and, if so, what name he wishes to take. Soon after, he will appear on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.
A Global Moment Ahead
With the Catholic Church at a crossroads and the world closely watching, the next conclave will not only determine a spiritual leader for 1.3 billion Catholics but will also set the direction for the Church in a time of growing geopolitical, technological, and cultural challenges.
