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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.

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