What Happens When the Pope Dies? - Through Eternity Tours

With Pope Francis' frail health making world headlines in the last week, the subject of Conclave, the method by which new Popes are elected, has been the hot topic on everyone's lips. So, what exactly happens after the death or resignation of a Pope? And what can we expect to happen at the Vatican during the Conclave?

When Is A New Pope Chosen?

A new Pope is chosen under only two circumstances: the death or the resignation of the current Pope. Traditionally, the position of Pope is a life-long one, with some exceptions. There is no provision under canon law to remove a Pope from office. This has posed an issue in the past, for example, during the latter months of Pope Saint John Paul II's Papacy. He was gravely ill and incapacitated, but the College of Cardinals could not start the process of Conclave until after his death.

What Happens After A Pope Dies?

In the modern age, a doctor will confirm the Pope's death, but only the Camerlengo (Chamberlin) can initiate the complex process of rituals that begins after his death. The Camerlengo is the Vatican's overseer of property and revenues. It is his job to execute the protocols and organize the funeral. The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who has held the post since 2019. He will refer to a 400-page handbook called "Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff" that will guide him through the strict protocols governing a papal funeral.

Firstly, he will call out the Pope's baptismal name three times (Jorge Mario Bergoglio for Pope Francis). This was traditionally done to ensure the Pope was dead and not just sleeping. Only when he receives no answer does he confirm the official death of the Pope.

There is an often repeated story that when a Pope dies, his death is confirmed in part by tapping his head with a hammer. This, however, is a myth. The story started to appear in the 19th century and may reflect people's fear of being buried alive. It could also be confused with the rites of the opening of the Holy Door when a hammer was traditionally used.

The next step is the ceremonial destruction of the "Fisherman's Ring". This was traditionally a very important step as the ring was used as the seal of the Pope on official documents. Its destruction was to safeguard against any misuse, such as the ring being used to forge documents. Today, the act is purely symbolic and signifies the end of the Pope's authority.

Finally, the Papal apartments are sealed, a measure that historically was meant to guard against looting.

The first indication that the public receives of a Pope's death is the mourning bell of St. Peter's Basilica. The bell of the Basilica tolls for every year of a Pope's life. It chimed 84 times when Pope Saint John Paul II in 2005. The bells did not chime in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI's Papacy ended, as he didn't die; he resigned.

The Vatican has now entered an interregnum period known as Sede Vacante. The throne of St. Peter is empty.

Can a Pope Resign?

Pope Benedict XVI

Papal renunciation is a rare event. Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world on February 11th, 2013, when he announced his intention to resign. He was the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII did so in 1415 - a gap of 598 years! There was not the same level of ritual and ceremony surrounding his departure as there was no funeral to organize, but the Vatican still entered the Sede Vacante period.

What Happens During the Sede Vacante Period?

During Sede Vacante, the rule of the Church is temporarily handed over to the College of Cardinals, but no major decisions are made. During this time, the Papal funeral is organized, the funeral is held, and cardinals from around the world gather to start the process of electing a new Pope.

How and Where is a Pope Buried?

An official mourning period of nine days, known as "novendiale", is observed, although the Papal funeral usually happens 4 to 6 days after the Pope's death. It falls to the Dean of the College of Cardinals to preside over the requiem mass. The current Dean is Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Before the funeral, the Pope's body is traditionally put on public display on a bier (catafalque) in St. Peter's Basilica. This allows mourners to pay their respects. Traditionally, Popes are buried in three coffins: one made from cypress, another from zinc or lead, and a final one from oak, elm, or walnut. They are usually buried with some coins minted during their Papacy and a metal tube enclosing a rolled-up paper scroll called a "Rogito"— a 1,000-word document retelling his life and reign.

While some Popes are buried elsewhere, it has been a tradition in the last few hundred years for them to be buried in the grottos of St. Peter's Basilica.

Recently, Pope Francis decided to simplify the burial rites. He has requested that his body not be displayed on a bier but in a simple zinc-lined wooden coffin, abandoning the traditional three coffins. The changes are to reflect and "emphasize even more that the Roman Pontiff's funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world." (Vatican's master of liturgical ceremonies, Monsignor Diego Ravelli).

Pope Francis has also stated that he wants to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, not in St. Peter's Basilica. He will be the first Pope in a century to be interred outside the walls of the Vatican. Francis' wish to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore reflects his devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary in the Basilica, the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome). This Basilica is the first one he visited after his election to the Papacy; he also visited on pilgrimage during COVID. He also visits after every trip abroad.

What Happens After the Papal Funeral?

After the funeral, the College of Cardinals gather in Rome to prepare for Conclave. There are currently 252 cardinals, 138 of whom are cardinal electors. Most of them will already be in the city for the funeral. The Conclave usually begins within 15-20 days after the death of the Pope. In the days before, there are a number of pre-Conclave meetings. These meetings are to discuss core issues facing the Church and for the cardinals to get to know one another better. They also discuss the ideal qualities for a new Pope - so these meetings act like an unofficial campaign period. By the end, a number of Papabile (pop(e)able' or 'able to be pope') contenders usually emerge.

In the meantime, the Vatican is a hive of activity. Firstly, the Sistine Chapel is closed to the public to prepare the space for Conclave. A raised floor is constructed inside the chapel. This is for two reasons: it protects the floor and provides a flat surface for setting up the tables (there are several steps and uneven surfaces). The Vatican Fire Brigade will set up two stoves at the end of the chapel. They are located in the southeast corner of the chapel, with a copper chimney that exits through a window above. One stove is used to burn the Papal ballots after every two votes; the other is fed with canisters that produce black or white smoke, which communicates to the world whether or not a new Pope has been elected. Remember: black smoke, no Pope has been elected, but white smoke indicates a new Pope. Security sweeps are also performed to check for any listening devices or hidden cameras.

How Long Does Conclave Last?

That is the million-dollar question! To be elected to the Papacy, a successful candidate needs to achieve a supermajority - in this case, two-thirds. Conclave will continue until this majority is reached - although after the 34th ballot, voting is restricted to the top two candidates. There can be up to four ballots a day. The Conclave that elected Pope Francis in 2013 took about 24 hours and five ballots. However, the longest Conclave took nearly 3 years!

How Will Conclave Affect You If You're in Rome?

St Peters Basilica

Being in Rome during Conclave is a unique experience. You are a witness to history and will be present for a selection process that has developed over nearly two millennia. That said, there are some things to be aware of.

The Sistine Chapel will be closed for about a week before Conclave and will be closed for the entire duration of the process. It will likely open again a couple of days after Conclave ends. The Vatican Museums, however, will remain open, and Visitors will be re-directed along an alternative route. All other parts of the museums will be visitable, including the Raphael Rooms. Tours of the Vatican Gardens will be suspended for security reasons as the cardinals are bused back and forth from the chapel to their accommodation on the grounds.

Access to St Peter's Basilica will not be possible on guided tours as access is via the Sistine Chapel. The Basilica will have limited (unspecified) access due to funeral preparations. Access to the dome of the Basilica is closed. If you wish to see the Pope lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica, be prepared for huge queues and heightened security, especially if this occurs during the already crowded Jubilee Year.

St. Peter's Square will remain open, but there will be large crowds and media in the piazza for the duration of the Conclave process. If you want to see the smoke from the chapel, it will be seen twice daily - around noon after the first two ballots and again at 4-5 pm after the last round of voting.

Vatican CTA

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