When a pope dies, it marks the end of a historic papacy — and the beginning of one of the most sacred and solemn traditions in the Catholic Church. For over two thousand years, the Church has honored this transition with a beautifully orchestrated process rooted in faith, tradition, and deep reverence for the office of the Bishop of Rome.
With the death of the Pope, the Church enters a period known as Sede Vacante — Latin for “the seat is vacant.”
During this time:
• All major decisions or appointments are suspended.
• The Vatican government pauses, except for basic administrative functions.
• The College of Cardinals collectively assumes temporary responsibility for managing Church affairs.
The Camerlengo oversees this transitional period, ensuring that the Church operates smoothly while honoring the gravity of the moment
No new laws are passed. No bishops are appointed. No major changes are made. The Church waits in prayer and expectation.
Whether you’re Catholic or simply curious, this guide will walk you through what happens next — from the confirmation of death to the election of a new pope.
The process begins with a formal confirmation that the pope has passed away. Traditionally, this includes a ceremonial ritual in which the Cardinal Camerlengo (the Vatican’s administrator during a papal vacancy) calls out the pope’s baptismal name three times in succession.
If there is no response, the death is officially acknowledged.
This step, while symbolic in modern times, emphasizes the personal nature of the papacy — reminding us that before he was pope, he was a man with a name, a family, and a baptismal identity.
After confirmation, the Holy See officially announces the pope’s death to the world. This announcement triggers a period of mourning both within the Vatican and across the global Catholic Church.
The Vatican flag is flown at half-staff. Bells toll. Catholic communities around the world begin offering prayers for the repose of the pope’s soul.
Simultaneously, preparations begin for the funeral rites. The day of death is considered Day 0 in what’s known as the novemdiales, a nine-day mourning period marked by Masses and memorial observances.
Within a few days — typically 4 to 6 days after death — the pope’s body is transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it lies in state for the faithful to pay their last respects. Thousands (sometimes millions) of pilgrims visit during this time.
The funeral Mass is generally held between the 6th and 7th day after the pope’s death and is celebrated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Heads of state, religious leaders, and pilgrims from around the world attend.
After the funeral, the pope is traditionally buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. However, Pope Francis made known in 2023 that he had requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — one of Rome’s oldest and most beloved Marian churches — reflecting his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, the cardinal electors — those under the age of 80 — gather in Rome for the start of the conclave, the sacred process of electing a new pope.
This gathering takes place in the Sistine Chapel, under Michelangelo’s famous ceiling, where the cardinals live and pray in strict isolation from the outside world.
Before entering, each cardinal takes an oath of secrecy and invokes the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The word “conclave” itself comes from the Latin cum clave — meaning “with a key” — because the doors are literally locked until a decision is made.
The cardinals vote up to four times per day (two rounds in the morning, two in the afternoon), until a two-thirds majority is reached.
After each round, the ballots are burned in a special stove, with chemicals added to signal the result:
• Black smoke (fumata nera) means no decision has been reached.
• White smoke (fumata bianca) means a new pope has been elected.
The whole world watches the chimney of the Sistine Chapel for this signal.
Once a cardinal receives the required votes, he is asked two questions:
1. “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
2. “By what name shall you be called?”
If he accepts, the new pope changes into the papal vestments (prepared in multiple sizes just in case) and is taken to the Room of Tears — a small chamber where many popes have wept at the weight of the responsibility they’ve just accepted.
Once the new pope is ready, he appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
A senior cardinal steps forward and proclaims to the world:
“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!”
“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”
The new pope then steps out to greet the faithful, offer his first Urbi et Orbi blessing (“to the city and to the world”), and begin his pontificate.
From that moment, the Catholic Church enters a new chapter. A new successor to St. Peter — chosen through prayer, tradition, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit — steps forward to lead the Church with love, courage, and humility.
While the world may watch for the drama, Catholics know this moment is one of grace.
