The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, heralds a significant shift within the Catholic Church, as Cardinals are now faced with the decision of whether to continue his inclusive approach or revert to a more traditional leadership style. The Vatican has emphasized that, following his death, a series of long-standing rituals and procedures aimed at ensuring a smooth transition will be initiated.
Pope Francis Passes Away: The Procedure for Choosing His Successor
Pope Francis Passes Away: The Procedure for Choosing His Successor
As the Vatican mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the meticulous process for selecting a new pontiff begins, highlighting both tradition and potential change.
Upon confirmation of the pope’s death by the Vatican’s health coordinator, the body will be respectfully dressed in a white cassock and moved to the pope’s private chapel, where the cardinal camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, assumes leadership of the Vatican's daily functions. This role is crucial during the interregnum period, a time marked by the absence of a reigning pope.
The usual practices include arranging for a public viewing and organizing a funeral service that adheres to the ceremonial traditions of the Church. Following these rituals, the conclave—a gathering of the Cardinals to elect a new pope—will commence.
As anticipation builds around who will be elected to lead the Catholic Church next, the longstanding processes will maintain a veil of secrecy while ensuring order during this transformative time. The election of a new pope not only reshapes the leadership of the Vatican but can also reshape the global Catholic community's direction moving forward.
The usual practices include arranging for a public viewing and organizing a funeral service that adheres to the ceremonial traditions of the Church. Following these rituals, the conclave—a gathering of the Cardinals to elect a new pope—will commence.
As anticipation builds around who will be elected to lead the Catholic Church next, the longstanding processes will maintain a veil of secrecy while ensuring order during this transformative time. The election of a new pope not only reshapes the leadership of the Vatican but can also reshape the global Catholic community's direction moving forward.
