Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the Catholic Church has entered the Sede Vacante , or "Vacant See", a time-honoured transition period marked by both solemn rituals and significant changes introduced by Francis himself.
Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell , appointed camerlengo (chamberlain) by Pope Francis in 2019, now assumes interim charge of the Church’s day-to-day affairs. While all other top Vatican officials step down, the camerlengo remains. His duties include certifying the pope’s death and overseeing symbolic acts such as the destruction of the “Fisherman’s Ring”, once a tool for sealing documents, now a ritual symbolising the end of a papacy.
Simpler farewell, as per Francis’ wishes
Unlike his predecessors who were buried in triple-layered coffins within St Peter’s Basilica , Francis had asked to be interred in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. His body will be laid in a single coffin of wood and zinc, a break from centuries of tradition.
“The change in funeral rituals reflects what Francis sees as the role of the pope as a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful man of this world,” a top Vatican official said.
The faithful will be able to pay respects at St Peter’s Basilica, where Francis’s open coffin will lie in state, no longer propped on cushions, but laid flat, another departure from past practices.
Conclave countdown begins
Cardinals from around the globe are now convening in general congregations, where they will set the funeral date—expected to occur between the fourth and sixth day after death—and organise the nine-day mourning period, or novemdiales.
The gatherings also serve as an informal stage to assess papabili—potential successors. A conclave to elect the next pope will be scheduled between 15 to 20 days from Francis’s death.
Currently, there are 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 eligible to vote, 108 of whom were appointed by Francis. Their distribution spans continents: 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, and 4 from Oceania.
Smoke signals and the moment of truth
As per tradition, the conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals will vote in secrecy—under pain of ex-communication—twice each morning and afternoon until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
Ballots are burned after each session: black smoke signals no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. St Peter’s bells will ring to confirm the latter.
The room of tears and ‘ Habemus Papam ’
Once a pope is elected, he will step into the “Room of Tears” to collect himself before donning papal vestments. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will ask if he accepts and what name he will take.
Soon after, the new pontiff will appear on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. Then comes the iconic Latin proclamation by senior cardinal deacon Renato Raffaele Martino: “Habemus Papam!” (We have a pope!).
Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell , appointed camerlengo (chamberlain) by Pope Francis in 2019, now assumes interim charge of the Church’s day-to-day affairs. While all other top Vatican officials step down, the camerlengo remains. His duties include certifying the pope’s death and overseeing symbolic acts such as the destruction of the “Fisherman’s Ring”, once a tool for sealing documents, now a ritual symbolising the end of a papacy.
Simpler farewell, as per Francis’ wishes
Unlike his predecessors who were buried in triple-layered coffins within St Peter’s Basilica , Francis had asked to be interred in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. His body will be laid in a single coffin of wood and zinc, a break from centuries of tradition.
“The change in funeral rituals reflects what Francis sees as the role of the pope as a pastor and disciple of Christ, and not of a powerful man of this world,” a top Vatican official said.
The faithful will be able to pay respects at St Peter’s Basilica, where Francis’s open coffin will lie in state, no longer propped on cushions, but laid flat, another departure from past practices.
Conclave countdown begins
Cardinals from around the globe are now convening in general congregations, where they will set the funeral date—expected to occur between the fourth and sixth day after death—and organise the nine-day mourning period, or novemdiales.
The gatherings also serve as an informal stage to assess papabili—potential successors. A conclave to elect the next pope will be scheduled between 15 to 20 days from Francis’s death.
Currently, there are 135 cardinal electors under the age of 80 eligible to vote, 108 of whom were appointed by Francis. Their distribution spans continents: 53 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 17 from South America, and 4 from Oceania.
Smoke signals and the moment of truth
As per tradition, the conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals will vote in secrecy—under pain of ex-communication—twice each morning and afternoon until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
Ballots are burned after each session: black smoke signals no decision; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen. St Peter’s bells will ring to confirm the latter.
The room of tears and ‘ Habemus Papam ’
Once a pope is elected, he will step into the “Room of Tears” to collect himself before donning papal vestments. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will ask if he accepts and what name he will take.
Soon after, the new pontiff will appear on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica. Then comes the iconic Latin proclamation by senior cardinal deacon Renato Raffaele Martino: “Habemus Papam!” (We have a pope!).
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