- Understanding What Happens When the Papal Seat Falls Vacant
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a solemn and significant period known as Sede Vacante—Latin for “the empty seat.” This transitional phase marks the interval between the death of one pope and the election of his successor, during which the Vatican operates under carefully established protocols and ancient traditions.
Confirmation of the Pope’s Death and Initial Procedures
Confirmation of Death
Traditionally, the Pope’s death is confirmed by the Camerlengo—the Cardinal Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church. In centuries past, the Camerlengo would gently tap the Pope’s forehead three times with a silver hammer and call him by his baptismal name to confirm his passing. Though this ritual is largely symbolic today, official confirmation is carried out medically by attending physicians and then formally announced within the Pope’s private chapel.
Official Announcement
Once the Pope’s death is confirmed, the Camerlengo notifies the Cardinal Vicar of Rome and the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Vatican then makes an official announcement to the world through global media outlets.
Destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring
To symbolize the end of the Pope’s reign and to prevent any misuse, the Camerlengo destroys the Pope’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and other papal seals. These sacred symbols are either defaced or physically broken.
Sealing of Papal Apartments
The late Pope’s private quarters, known as the Papal Apartments, are sealed. However, Castel Gandolfo—the Pope’s summer residence—is typically not sealed, as it does not house sensitive documents.
Governance During the Sede Vacante
During this interregnum, authority over the Church passes to the College of Cardinals. Their powers are limited strictly to managing daily Church operations and preparing for the conclave; they may not institute doctrinal or policy changes.
The Camerlengo oversees the temporal affairs of the Vatican, including administration of property and finances. He ensures the smooth functioning of the Apostolic Palace, the Lateran Palace, and Castel Gandolfo.
Most Vatican department heads lose their authority during sede vacante, with the exception of a few roles—such as the Major Penitentiary, responsible for granting absolutions and indulgences.
The Vatican also temporarily adopts a distinct version of its coat of arms during this time. The papal tiara is replaced by a symbolic umbrella (umbraculum), flanked by the traditional crossed keys.
Mourning, Funeral Rites, and Burial
Period of Mourning: Novemdiales
Following the Pope’s death, a nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales begins. Italy also observes national mourning, with flags lowered and tributes paid.
Public Viewing
The Pope’s body, dressed in traditional papal vestments, is placed on display in St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration. Thousands of faithful, as well as global dignitaries, travel to pay their final respects.
Funeral Mass
Typically held four to six days after the Pope’s death, the funeral Mass takes place in St. Peter’s Square. It is presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Pope Francis, in a move toward simplicity, abolished the use of the traditional catafalque, opting instead for a humble liturgy and burial style.
Burial
While popes have historically been buried in the Vatican crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis previously expressed his wish to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His burial follows a simplified ritual, involving a single wooden coffin lined with zinc—replacing the previous triple-casket tradition (cypress, lead, and oak). A list of the Pope’s accomplishments is placed inside a copper tube, along with velvet pouches containing gold, silver, and copper coins minted during his papacy.
The Election of a New Pope
General Assembly of Cardinals
Following the funeral, cardinals from around the world convene in Rome to discuss Church affairs and agree on a start date for the conclave. These meetings, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, lay the groundwork for the election process.
The Conclave
Held in the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is a highly secretive and solemn process that begins approximately 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s burial. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote. The voting continues until one cardinal receives a two-thirds majority.
Voting Process
Cardinals swear an oath of secrecy. After each round of voting, ballots are burned. If no Pope is elected, chemicals are added to produce black smoke, signaling inconclusive results. White smoke, however, indicates the successful election of a new Pontiff.
Announcement: Habemus Papam
Once a Pope is elected, the senior Cardinal Protodeacon appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and proclaims, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”). He announces the chosen name of the new Holy Father, who then steps forward to deliver his first apostolic blessing, known as Urbi et Orbi—“to the City and to the World.”
A New Chapter for the Catholic Church
The death of a Pope is not only the conclusion of a spiritual era but the beginning of a new chapter for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The ancient rituals that follow are not merely ceremonial; they reflect the deep continuity, unity, and faith at the heart of the Catholic Church.
As the Church mourns Pope Francis and prepares to choose his successor, the world watches a sacred and historic process unfold—one steeped in tradition, guided by divine calling, and forever rooted in the enduring mission of serving God and humanity.
