Pentagon plans were prepared and briefed at the highest level, but concerns over escalation, casualties and economic fallout led to...
Read More
International-News
From funeral to Conclave: what happens after the death of Pope Francis
With the passing away of Pope Bergoglio, the sede vacante officially opens: from the funeral rites to the election of the new Pontiff, here is the procedure laid down by Vatican protocol
The death of Pope Francis has opened a delicate phase for the Catholic Church. The death was certified by the Pontiff’s personal physician, who then informed the Cardinal Camerlengo, a key figure in the transitional period known as the sede vacante.
In the presence of the Masters of Papal Liturgical Celebrations, the Camerlengo performed the traditional rite of verification: he called the Pope by name three times and pronounced the Latin formula ‘Vere Papa mortuus est’ (‘Truly the Pope is dead’).
The sede vacante and the role of the Camerlengo
With the sede vacante, the Camerlengo assumes full administrative powers over the Holy See. His duties include the sealing of the papal flat, official communication to the Vicar of Rome and the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, symbol of papal authority, which is shattered in the presence of the cardinals.
The Novendiali and the funeral in St. Peter’s Square
Thus began the Novendiali, nine days of liturgical celebrations in suffrage of the deceased Pope. According to Francis’ instructions, his body will not be publicly displayed, in line with his sober style. The funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, with the participation of religious and civil authorities from around the world. The burial will take place, as per his wishes, in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Preparation for the Conclave and vow in the Sistine Chapel
Once the funeral is over, the focus shifts to the Conclave, which will begin after the Novendiali. Only cardinals under the age of 80 have the right to vote. They will retire to the Sistine Chapel, completely isolated from the outside world.
Each vote follows a precise ritual: the cardinals write the name of the candidate on a ballot, deposit it in a chalice, and at the end the ballot is held. If the election does not take place, the ballots are burnt and the black smoke coming out of the chimney signals the negative outcome. The white smoke, on the other hand, announces to the world that the new Pope has been chosen.
The announcement: Habemus Papam
Once elected, the new pontiff is dressed in the papal robe and goes to the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Cardinal Protodeacon then pronounces the famous formula: ‘Habemus Papam’, followed by the name of the new Pope. Immediately afterwards, the Pontiff faces the faithful for the first time and imparts the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
THE LATEST NEWS
The United States-Iran ceasefire memorandum: Geneva Lake possible signing
13 Giugno 2026
Negotiations continue over location and conditions as diplomatic framework advances between Washington and Tehran Lake Geneva is being considered as...
Read More
Trump Claims US–Iran Deal Reached as Markets React With Caution
11 Giugno 2026
The US president announces on Truth Social that strikes against Iran have been cancelled after an alleged agreement involving multiple...
Read More
Trump Signals Continued Military Pressure on Iran Amid Fragile Negotiations Over Nuclear Deal and Oil Assets
11 Giugno 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterates threats of sustained strikes and strategic pressure on Iran while diplomatic channels remain open over...
Read More
Bill Gates Testifies in Jeffrey Epstein Inquiry, Denies Knowledge of Crimes
10 Giugno 2026
Bill Gates told the U.S. House Oversight Committee he had no awareness of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activity and called their...
Read More
Russia prepares for possible NATO conflict in Northern Europe
10 Giugno 2026
A joint Nordic investigation points to a structural military buildup along Russia’s northern frontier, with a potential one-to-three-year window of...
Read More
(Photo: © AndKronos)
