The death of a reigning Pope calls on the Catholic Church to act according to centuries of laid down detailed and sacred processes. These detailed procedures are rooted in the tradition of the Catholic Church :
1. Immediate Protocol (The “Sede Vacante” Period)
Sede Vacante means “the seat being vacant.” This is the period when the papal office is empty.
The “Camerlengo”, a cardinal appointed by the Pope, officially verifies the déàth. He also oversees the administration of the Church during this time.
The Pope’s ring (the Ring of the Fisherman) is destroyed to prevent forgery of documents.
2. Funeral Rites
The Pope is mourned by the universal Church. His body lies in state for several days, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
The funeral usually takes place within 4-6 days, followed by burial in the Vatican Grottoes or another place of his choosing.
3. Conclave Preparation
After a period of mourning (usually 9 days), preparations begin for the conclave—a secret gathering of cardinals under the age of 80.
The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, where they will vote to elect a new Pope.
4. Election of a New Pope
Voting is done in secret, and a two-thirds majority is required.
After each round of voting, the ballots are burned:
Black smoke means no Pope yet.
White smoke means a new Pope has been elected.
Once a new Pope is chosen, he is asked if he accepts, and then he selects a papal name.
5. Habemus Papam!
The new Pope is introduced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”
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