April 21, 2025, on Easter Monday, The Catholic Church suffered a great loss. Pope Francis, 266th Bishop of Rome, died at 7:35 a.m. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Cameroon of the Holy Roman Church, announced this sad news in Casa Santa Marta, stating:
"Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sadness I must declare the death of our Holy Father Francis."
What happens after the Pope's death?
After the death of the pope, the period of sede vacante, or vacancy on the Holy See begins. It is a time when the Catholic Church remains without its leader, and its functions are taken over by the College of Cardinals. Kamerling, in this case Cardinal Kevin Farrell, manages the Church and prepares for the election of a new pope.
First steps
After confirming the Pope's death, the camera officially closes the papal suite, sealing the door. Funeral ceremonies are then planned, which are usually held in St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis, known for his simplicity, probably left guidelines for his burial, according to his spirit of modesty.
Calendar of events after the Pope's death
The Pope's funeral*
Traditionally, the pope's funeral takes place within 4-6 days of his death. During the ceremony, representatives from all over the world come to the Vatican to pay tribute to the late Pope. St. Peter's Basilica
Conclave – Election of a new Pope
After the funeral, the College of Cardinals prepares for a conclave, a secret assembly whose goal is to elect a new pope. This process usually begins within 15-20 days of the Pope's death to allow all cardinals to arrive in Rome.
How's the conclave going?
Conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals are closed and remain there until the election of the new pope. The vote takes place twice a day, and a majority of two thirds of the vote is needed to elect a new pope.
Last meeting of the Pope
Yesterday, on 20 April, Pope Francis accepted Mr JD Vance at the private audience of Vice President of the United States.
What next for the Catholic Church?
The election of a new pope is a moment that attracts the attention of the whole world. The new Pope, as leader of over a billion Catholics, will have to face many challenges of the modern world. Climate change, social issues and interreligious dialogue are only some of the issues that await the new leader of the Church.
The death of Pope Francis is a moment of reflection for the whole Catholic Church. His pontificate, full of concern for the poor and dialogue with the world, will remain in the memory of many. Now the Church has the task of choosing a new leader who will continue the mission of peace and unity.
In the coming days, the eyes of the whole world will be turned to the Vatican, where the cardinals will elect a new pope to lead the Church to the next challenges of the 21st century.
