The Catholic world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in his residence at Domus Sanctae Marthae. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European pontiff in more than 1,200 years to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy, which began on 13 March 2013, was marked by reform, humility, and a strong commitment to the marginalised.
With the passing of the Holy Father, the Church enters what is canonically referred to as the sede vacante the vacant seat. This period triggers an ancient and sacred process for selecting a new pope, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and canon law.
The immediate responsibility of confirming the Pope’s death falls on the Camerlengo currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell. In accordance with Canon 335 of the Code of Canon Law, all matters pertaining to the governance of the universal Church are suspended until a new Pope is elected, except those necessary for daily administration or matters that cannot be delayed.
The Fisherman’s Ring, a signet ring worn by the pope bearing an image of Saint Peter is ceremonially destroyed in the presence of key Vatican officials to prevent any misuse of papal authority during the interregnum. The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and updated by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, outlines in detail the steps for the election of a new pontiff.
Pope Francis’s body will lie in state in Saint Peter’s Basilica for public veneration. A period of nine days of mourning (novemdiales) follows, during which daily Masses will be held for the repose of his soul. The burial, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his death, will respect his known preference for simplicity. Though most pontiffs in recent memory have been buried within the crypts of Saint Peter’s Basilica, reports suggest Pope Francis requested interment at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a reflection of his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary.
The College of Cardinals currently numbering just over 120 electors under the age of 80 – will convene at the Vatican between 15 and 20 days after the start of the sede vacante. During this conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will be sequestered from the outside world, guided by prayer, discernment, and divine inspiration.
A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope, as stipulated in Canon 349. Each round of voting is followed by the burning of ballots: black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while the appearance of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signal to the world the successful election of a new pontiff.
The chosen cardinal will be asked: "Acceptasne electionem de te canonice factam in Summum Pontificem?" ("Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?"). Upon acceptance, he selects his papal name and is introduced to the faithful from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica with the famous words "Habemus Papam" meaning We have a Pope.
The first Pope from the Global South, Francis brought a distinctly pastoral approach to the papacy. Known for his simplicity, eschewing the traditional papal apartments in favour of a modest guesthouse, he preached compassion over condemnation. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ positioned the Church as a global advocate for environmental stewardship, while his emphasis on synodality encouraged broader consultation within the Church’s decision-making processes.
He faced challenges too navigating crises such as the clerical sexual abuse scandal, divisions within the Church, and political upheavals across the globe. Yet his message remained one of mercy, inclusion, and dialogue.
As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, Catholics around the world are called to prayer, reflection, and unity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Pope, as the successor of Saint Peter, is the “visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful” (CCC 882).
The coming days will not only commemorate the life of Pope Francis but also mark the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church. The world waits with bated breath for the rising of the white smoke, a sign that the Spirit has once again moved through the hearts of men to guide the Church into its next era.
By Bakah Derick
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