Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced, marking the end of a papacy that began with history-making significance and ended with humility. According to the official statement, the head of the Roman Catholic Church “returned to the house of the Father” at 07:35 local time on Easter Monday, passing away in his residence at Casa Santa Marta. As the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the role, his leadership marked a shift in the Church’s trajectory.
His death was formally verified following traditional protocol, with the head of the Vatican’s health department and Cardinal Chamberlain Kevin Joseph Farrell confirming the event.
Pope Francis’s body has now been taken to his private chapel where a discreet ceremony will be held. It will be placed in a single coffin, a notable deviation from the typical triple-coffin tradition observed in the funerals of previous popes.
The Pope had taken steps to simplify his own funeral arrangements back in 2024. Among the notable changes he introduced were the elimination of private viewing for cardinals and limiting the procession to a single public viewing inside St Peter’s Basilica, which will follow a ceremonial march led by the camerlengo.
Even within the basilica, Pope Francis’s body will not be elevated on a platform, marking yet another departure from prior custom. Like his predecessor, he will be buried with symbolic items that reflect his role as Supreme Pontiff. These include the pallium, a liturgical vestment used by popes and metropolitan archbishops, the rogito, a document outlining his key accomplishments during his papacy, and bags of silver, gold, and copper coins equal in number to the years he served.
In a 2023 interview, the Pope had shared that a tomb had already been prepared for him at the Basilica of St Mary Major, his favorite church in Rome. This basilica, though located on Italian soil, is considered part of Vatican territory and houses the tombs of other popes as well.
The Pope’s funeral and interment ceremonies are expected to conclude by Saturday. Following his passing, Cardinal Farrell sealed his living quarters at Casa Santa Marta. It was here that Pope Francis chose to reside during his time in office, rather than the more traditional papal apartment.
Another symbolic act that follows a Pope’s death has also taken place: the ceremonial destruction of the Pope’s fisherman’s ring. This ring, used to sign official documents, is smashed with a ceremonial hammer in front of the College of Cardinals, signifying the end of his authority. This act ushers in the “Sede vacante” or vacant seat period, when the Church prepares to select a new pontiff.
The role of the Pope is seen by Catholics as the successor to Saint Peter, giving him spiritual authority over the Church’s 1.4 billion members. This connection is believed to trace directly to Jesus Christ, placing the Pope as a vital spiritual guide. While the Pope’s teachings, along with the Bible, guide Catholic doctrine, his authority is not recognized by other Christian denominations such as the Protestants and the Orthodox.
The selection of a new pope now lies with the College of Cardinals. Of the 135 cardinals currently eligible to vote — those under the age of 80 — Pope Francis himself appointed 108 of them. This greatly increases, though does not assure, the chances that the next Pope may align with his vision of a more inclusive and progressive Church.
Though European cardinals continue to dominate in numbers, the Catholic Church’s demographic footprint has shifted. Nearly a quarter of voting cardinals now come from Asia, reflecting broader changes in global Catholicism.
During the conclave, all eligible cardinals will reside at Casa Santa Marta. This five-story guesthouse features 106 suites, 22 single rooms, and a state apartment. Pope Francis lived in Suite 201 throughout his papacy.
Each day, the cardinals will walk along the Via delle Fondamenta to the Sistine Chapel where the voting takes place. During this time, strict isolation is enforced; no communication with the outside world is allowed.
Faithful followers will gather in St Peter’s Square, watching closely for smoke signals from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope.
Papal conclaves are cloaked in secrecy, making them difficult to predict. After entering the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals cast votes in multiple rounds. The first afternoon sees a single vote, followed by up to four rounds daily. A two-thirds majority is required for any candidate to be chosen.
Votes are cast on paper slips bearing the Latin phrase “I elect as Supreme Pontiff,” followed by the name of the chosen candidate. Each cardinal, in order of seniority, places their slip into a large gilded urn. Three assistants, known as scrutineers, tally the votes as they’re read aloud. All ballot papers are then sewn together and burned.
Chemical compounds are used to control the color of the smoke emitted — white for a successful election, black for an inconclusive vote. Bells will also ring to clarify the announcement for the gathered crowd.
If after three days no decision is reached, the cardinals may pause for a day of prayer. They can then take another break after every seven rounds. If a decision remains elusive after 33 ballots, the process narrows to a runoff between the two leading candidates — though the winner must still meet the two-thirds requirement.
“Unlike other world governments, these men are not aligned with any particular political parties so one never knows exactly what their priorities are, where they stand on controversial issues and what they will have top of mind when they cast their ballot. All of it adds up to a lot of intrigue and very little certainty,” observed BBC’s Davide Ghiglione in Rome.
Historically, conclaves have lasted from a few days to several years. The longest lasted nearly three years beginning in 1268. However, procedural changes over time have streamlined the process. Since the early 1900s, conclaves have averaged three days in length. The most extended one in the 20th century occurred in 1922, lasting five days. Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis were chosen after just two days.
As cardinals deliberate, they do so beneath Michelangelo’s renowned frescos, including “The Last Judgement,” which features scenes of resurrection, salvation, and damnation. These vivid images serve as powerful visual reminders of the spiritual weight of their task.
Two temporary furnaces have been installed in the chapel to manage smoke signals. One is used to burn ballots, and the other assists with producing the distinctive colored smoke that signals the outcome.
Upon election, the new Pope must formally accept the role and declare his chosen papal name before the College of Cardinals. When elected, Pope Francis chose his name in honor of St Francis of Assisi, inspired by Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes. As he later recalled, “Do not forget the poor,” Hummes had said to him during the momentous occasion.
Traditionally, popes adopted their own names until over 500 years ago when symbolic naming began. This trend, intended to simplify or evoke continuity, is why names like John became common among pontiffs.
The newly elected pope will be taken to the “Room of Tears” — an antechamber where he dons his papal attire. Emotional reactions have earned the room its nickname. Pope Francis notably declined the ornate red cape, opting instead for a plain white cassock, a gesture that signaled humility.
At last, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, addressing the world with the words, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum… habemus papam!” — “I announce to you a great joy… we have a Pope!” Crowds will cheer, celebrating the start of a new chapter for the Roman Catholic Church.