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What Happens After Pope Francis’s Death? How a New Pope Is Chosen

The first step after the death of a pope is the official confirmation of his passing

Estela Alba Hoyos from LOS40 Spain—Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, as announced by the Vatican on Monday, April 21, Easter Monday, following complications from bilateral pneumonia. This news has deeply affected people worldwide, marking the end of an era for the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, shared this message: “Dear brothers and sisters, with great sadness, I must announce the death of our Holy Father, Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francisco, returned to the house of the Father”.

What Happens Next After the Death of Pope Francis

The first step after the death of a pope is the official confirmation of his passing, which is the responsibility of the Camerlengo, the cardinal who oversees the Vatican’s administration during the period of sede vacante (vacant seat).

In the past, this involved gently tapping the pope’s forehead with a small silver hammer, but today, more modern medical methods are used. After the confirmation, the Camerlengo removes and destroys the Fisherman’s Ring, which symbolizes papal authority.

Pope Francis during the impartation of the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing and wishes «good Easter» from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, April 20, 2024, in Rome (Italy). (Stefano Spaziani/Getty Images)

Once the death is confirmed, the Camerlengo informs the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who then shares the news with the rest of the cardinals. An official announcement is made to the Catholic community and the world, marking the start of the sede vacante period.

During this time, the pope lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where both faithful followers and dignitaries can come to pay their respects. The funeral usually takes place between four to six days after the death.

How a New Pope Is Chosen

During the sede vacante period, authority is temporarily transferred to the College of Cardinals. The Camerlengo manages the administration of the Vatican, but cannot make decisions that change the structure of the Church. The pope’s governing activities are suspended, except for those that are essential to running the Church.

Within 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, the electing cardinals—those under 80 years old—are called to gather in Rome. During the General Congregations, the cardinals discuss the state of the Church and consider the profiles of potential successors. The conclave officially begins in the Sistine Chapel with a special Mass known as Pro Eligendo Pontifice.

Cathedral staff set up an image of Pope Francis inside The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood
Cathedral staff set up an image of Pope Francis inside The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood, informally known as Westminster Cathedral, in central London on April 21, 2025, following the news of his death. (Henry Nicholls/ Getty Images)

The cardinals vote in secret, and a two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. If no consensus is reached, up to four votes are allowed each day. After each round, the ballots are burned, and the color of the smoke indicates the outcome: ‘black smoke’ means no pope has been elected, while ‘white smoke’ announces the election of a new pope.

Once a pope is chosen, the new pontiff is announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words Habemus Papam. The new pope then offers his first blessing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.