Following the death of Pope Francis, the process of electing a new Pope will begin.
Pope Francis passed away today (Monday, 21), just hours after appearing before thousands for an emotional Easter Sunday blessing.
The Vatican confirmed the news early Monday morning. Cardinal Farrell shared a solemn statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
Describing his life as one “dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” the Cardinal added: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Pope Francis made what would be his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. Seated in his wheelchair, he emerged on the balcony over the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica and greeted the jubilant crowd: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!”
He was then driven through St Peter’s Square in the popemobile, stopping multiple times to bless babies and children, some of whom he even handed gifts. Onlookers erupted in chants of “Viva il Papa!” - “Long live the Pope.”
The Church now enters a period of mourning and transition.
The next leader of the Catholic Church will be selected in a secretive, centuries-old process known as the conclave - Latin for “with key” - referring to the sealed Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will vote.
Roughly 120 cardinal electors (under the age of 80) from more than 70 countries will arrive in Rome in the coming days, per the Guardian.
Two-thirds of them were appointed by Francis himself, meaning his inclusive and reform-minded legacy may shape the selection of his successor.
The cardinals will live at St Martha’s House, where Francis resided during his papacy. They will celebrate mass and gather beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. After the phrase “extra omnes” - meaning “everyone out” - is declared, the doors are locked.
All forms of communication with the outside world are cut off. Phones are removed, newspapers are banned, and the chapel is swept for bugs. The cardinals swear an oath of secrecy.
Ballots will be cast morning and afternoon until someone wins a two-thirds majority. If 30 rounds of voting pass with no result, the winner will be selected by a simple majority. Black smoke signals an inconclusive vote, white smoke announces: a new pope has been chosen.
The chosen cardinal will be asked if he accepts the position and what name he will take. He’ll be led to the Room of Tears to don papal vestments, then introduced to the world from the same balcony where Pope Francis gave his final blessing.
The message will then ring out: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus papam” - “I announce to you with great joy: We have a pope.”