What Will Happen After Death of Pope Francis? Here’s How Next Pope Will Be Chosen

The death of Pope Francis will initiate the Catholic Church’s centuries-old process for electing a new pontiff, a carefully crafted tradition that ensures a smooth transition of power to the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Here’s a look at what happens next.

Sede Vacante: The Seat Is Vacant

With the death of a pope, the Church enters a period named sede vacante, meaning an “empty seat.” The Throne of Saint Peter lies vacant during this time. This period generally lasts several weeks to allow for the funeral of the Pope Francis, followed by the preparations for the conclave, where the new pope will be elected.

While this process unfolds, the College of Cardinals temporarily assumes responsibility for the Church’s affairs, led by the camerlengo. Currently, Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the camerlengo and will oversee the administration of the Vatican, manage finances, confirm the pope’s death, seal the papal apartments, and prepare for his burial.

The Conclave: Electing the Next Pope

The conclave to elect a new pope begins within 15 to 20 days after the death of the pontiff. It takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before voting. They will remain in the Vatican, without access to phones, internet, or media, until a new pope is elected.

Of the 253 cardinals, 138 will be eligible to vote, as only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in the election.

Voting and Smoke Signals: The Ballots

Cardinals vote twice daily, casting their ballots in secret. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, the votes are burned with an additive that creates black smoke, signaling that no decision has been made. If a majority isn’t reached within three days, voting pauses for one day before resuming. This process continues until a new pope is chosen.

Announcing the New Pope

After a candidate receives a majority of the votes, the ballots are burned, and white smoke is released from the Sistine Chapel chimney to indicate the election of a new pope. In private, the new pope receives the question whether he accepts the office and what name he will take. Afterwards, the cardinals pay allegiance to him, and soon after, the senior cardinal-deacon appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce the new pope to the world.

The new pope will then appear on the balcony, offering his first public greeting and blessing to the faithful gathered below.

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