From funeral to 'Habemus Papam': What follows the death of a Pope

The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025 marks the inception of a solemn and historically planned process rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition. As preparations for Pope Francis’s funeral are underway, the Vatican follows a series of rituals that blend ancient culturalism with modern innovations.

Immediate aftermath
Upon the pope’s death, a Vatican doctor is summoned to confirm and officially document it. The body is then preserved and prepared for public viewing, clothed in a white cassock and placed in the pontiff’s private chapel. This shift in procedure was made possible by the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (Rite of Burial for the Roman Pontiff), a guide introduced by the Vatican last year that requires the confirmation of death to take place in the chapel instead of the bedroom.

The camerlengo (Cardinal Chamberlain), who temporarily takes charge of the church’s administration, gathers with other Vatican officials and members of the pope’s family for a ceremony. The body is then placed in a wooden coffin lined with zinc. The pope is dressed in red vestments, and beside him are placed the miter and pallium — the traditional headdress and woolen band that symbolize papal authority. His face is covered with a white silk veil.

Inside the coffin, a bag of Vatican-minted coins and a special document known as the rogito, a brief summary of the pope’s life and papacy are also included. The coffin is sealed on the eve of funeral.

During this time, the Fisherman’s Ring, used by the pope to seal official documents, is ceremonially destroyed with a silver hammer to prevent any possibility of forgery. A new ring will later be crafted for the newly elected pope.

The Camerlengo then seals the doors to the pope’s study and bedroom, symbolically marking the conclusion of his earthly service.A few days of public viewing follow, allowing everyone from around the world to pay their respects inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Funeral mass
The funeral Mass is organised between the fourth and sixth day after the pope’s death. It is celebrated in front of St. Peter’s Basilica and typically attended by world leaders, clergy, and pilgrims. The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re in this case will preside over the Mass.

The funeral begins with a procession led by a priest carrying a cross, followed by the coffin and clergy. Once the coffin is placed at the front, a Book of the Gospels will be placed on top of it, and the funeral mass begins. Unlike his predecessors, who were traditionally buried in three nested coffins, Pope Francis has requested a simpler burial: a single wooden coffin lined with zinc. He has also chosen to be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, instead of the customary tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.

Following the funeral, nine days of mourning masses known as the novemdiales, are held in churches throughout Rome.

Electing a new Pope
Catholic Church enters a period called Sede Vacante (“the seat is vacant”), during which the College of Cardinals oversees basic functions but cannot make major decisions. After the pope's funeral, cardinals meet to discuss the Church's direction. The conclave the official election, begins 15 to 20 days later.

Only cardinals under age 80 (currently 135 of 252) may vote. They stay in the Casa Santa Marta and vote in the Sistine Chapel under tight security. Voting is done by secret ballot, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope. Smoke signals indicate progress: black means no decision; white means a pope has been chosen.

Following the election, the newly chosen pope accepts the position, selects a papal name, puts on white papal garments, and is introduced to the world from St. Peter’s Basilica. A senior cardinal announces the new leader with the words: “Habemus papam” or “We have a pope.”