On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. His death has initiated the centuries-old process of selecting a new pope, known as the papal conclave.
Step 1: Mourning and Preparation
Following Pope Francis’s death, the Vatican entered a period of mourning. His body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, and a funeral Mass is scheduled for April 26, 2025. During this time, cardinals under the age of 80 prepare for the conclave, which is expected to convene between May 6 and May 12, 2025.
Step 2: The Conclave Begins
The conclave will take place in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals take an oath of secrecy and are sealed inside the chapel to ensure no outside influence. They gather to pray and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, asking for wisdom in their decision.
Step 3: Voting Process
Each day, the cardinals conduct up to four rounds of voting. In each round, they cast a secret ballot by dropping a folded paper into a chalice. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority. If no one achieves this, the ballots are burned, and black smoke rises from the chapel chimney, signaling that the election is still ongoing.
Step 4: Election of the Pope
Once a candidate secures the necessary votes, the senior cardinal asks if they accept the election. If they do, they choose a papal name and are dressed in papal vestments. The final ballots are burned with chemicals to produce white smoke, indicating that a new pope has been chosen.
Step 5: Announcing the New Pope
The senior cardinal deacon steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces, “Habemus Papam” (“We have a pope”). The new pope then appears, imparts a blessing, and addresses the faithful gathered below.
This process ensures that the Catholic Church selects a new leader who is guided by faith and the Holy Spirit. The conclave following Pope Francis’s death will be a significant moment in the Church’s history.
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