Below is the step-by-step explanation of what happens when a pope dies, including details of the current position holders for key roles such as the Camerlengo and the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Step-by-Step Process When a Pope Dies
- Confirmation of Death:
- The death of the pope is verified by a physician or medical official. The Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, formally ascertains the pope’s death. This involves a ritual where the Camerlengo presides over the rite of ascertainment, which may include drawing a veil over the deceased pope’s face (replacing the historical practice of tapping the pope’s forehead with a silver hammer and calling his name). Cardinal Farrell, appointed Camerlengo by Pope Francis on February 14, 2019, would perform this duty, assisted by the Vice-Camerlengo, Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, appointed on May 1, 2020.
- The Camerlengo seals the papal apartments (e.g., in the Domus Sanctae Martae, where Pope Francis resided) and secures the pope’s personal papers. Cardinal Farrell would also destroy the Ring of the Fisherman, the pope’s signet ring, in the presence of cardinals to prevent its misuse.
- The death is officially announced, often with the phrase, “The pope is dead,” to the Vatican and the world.
- Notification and Mourning:
- The Camerlengo notifies the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, currently Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who informs the people of Rome of the pope’s death. The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, notifies the College of Cardinals, the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, and world leaders.
- A nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales) begins, during which Masses and prayers are held for the deceased pope’s soul. Cardinal Re, as Dean, may lead or oversee key liturgical events during this period.
- Interregnum (Sede Vacante):
- The Sede Vacante (“vacant seat”) period begins, during which the Vatican operates under limited governance. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, as Camerlengo, acts as the interim head of state for Vatican City, managing its temporal affairs and finances with the assistance of Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari, the Vice-Camerlengo. The Camerlengo’s authority is limited to maintaining basic operations, with no power to make major decisions, which are reserved for the new pope.
- The College of Cardinals, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (Dean) and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (Vice-Dean), assumes collective governance of the Church, handling urgent matters through General Congregations. Cardinal Re, aged 91, and Cardinal Sandri, aged 81, both extended in their roles indefinitely by Pope Francis on February 6, 2025, oversee these meetings.
- The Camerlengo destroys the Ring of the Fisherman and prepares for the conclave, ensuring the Vatican’s administrative continuity.
- Funeral Preparations:
- The pope’s body is prepared for public viewing, typically dressed in red and white vestments. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, as Camerlengo, oversees the preservation of the body and arrangements for public viewing, usually in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Camerlengo coordinates with Vatican officials to ensure the process is dignified and secure.
- The faithful are allowed to pay their respects over several days, with logistical support managed under the Camerlengo’s direction.
- Funeral Mass and Burial:
- A funeral Mass is celebrated, typically four to six days after the pope’s death, often presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, or another senior cardinal if Re is unable to do so due to age or health.
- The pope is traditionally buried in a triple coffin (wood, lead, and wood). Most popes are interred in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, though some specify other locations (e.g., Pope John Paul II was buried in the Basilica itself). The Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, ensures the pope’s wishes, if expressed, are followed.
- Preparation for the Conclave:
- The College of Cardinals, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, convenes to organize the election of the new pope. According to Church law (Universi Dominici Gregis), the conclave must begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the pope’s death, though exceptions can be made.
- Cardinals eligible to vote (those under 80 years old, up to 120 in number) gather in Rome. They participate in daily General Congregations to discuss the state of the Church and prepare for the conclave, with Cardinal Re presiding.
- Conclave and Election:
- The conclave begins with the cardinals entering the Sistine Chapel, sealed off from the outside world, under the oath of secrecy. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as Dean, or Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, as Vice-Dean, would lead the opening rites, including the “Extra omnes” call to clear non-participants.
- The cardinals vote in rounds (typically two in the morning and two in the afternoon) by secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.
- After each voting round, ballots are burned. Black smoke (fumata nera) from the Sistine Chapel chimney signals no decision, while white smoke (fumata bianca) indicates a new pope has been elected.
- Once elected, the new pope accepts his role (often with the question, “Do you accept your canonical election?”) and chooses his papal name.
- Announcement and Installation:
- The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, or the Vice-Dean, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, announces the election from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”), revealing the new pope’s name and identity. If both are unavailable, the senior cardinal present (e.g., the senior cardinal deacon) performs this duty.
- The new pope appears to give his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”).
- A formal inauguration Mass, or Mass of Installation, is held soon after, marking the official start of the new papacy. The pallium, a vestment symbolizing papal authority, is imposed, replacing the historical crowning with a tiara.
Interesting
- The process is governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (1996, last updated 2013), which outlines rules for the Sede Vacante and conclave.
- Current position holders (as of April 21, 2025):
- Camerlengo: Cardinal Kevin Farrell (age 77, eligible to serve).
- Vice-Camerlengo: Archbishop Ilson de Jesus Montanari (age 65).
- Dean of the College of Cardinals: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (age 91, non-voting in conclave due to age).
- Vice-Dean: Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (age 81, non-voting in conclave due to age).
- Cardinal Vicar of Rome: Cardinal Angelo De Donatis (age 71).
- If any position holder is unable to perform their duties (e.g., due to age or health), the role passes to the next eligible official, such as the Vice-Dean or a senior cardinal.
- If a pope resigns (as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013), steps like funeral rites are skipped, but the Sede Vacante and conclave processes remain similar.