What happens when the Pope dies? Understanding the Conclave process and Reflecting on Pope Francis’ Legacy
- Purposely Catholic
- May 2
- 6 min read
In this season of transition for the Catholic Church, many faithful and observers alike are turning their eyes toward the Vatican, eager to understand what happens next following the passing of Pope Francis. The conclave, which is set to begin on May 7, 2025, will convene Cardinals from around the world. These Cardinals will gather to attend to the affairs of the Church (in the absence of a Holy Father) and enter into a period of prayerful discernment as they vote to elect a new pope.
This conclave is steeped in centuries of tradition, prayer, and discernment. As we reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who served as the 266th pope from 2013 until his death in 2025, it’s important to grasp both the profound spiritual significance and the practical steps involved in this historic moment for the Church.
Honoring Pope Francis: A Shepherd After God’s Own Heart
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a leader who brought humility, social justice, and pastoral care to the forefront of his papacy. He was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, known for living simply in the Casa Santa Marta rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace. His ministry was marked by a deep commitment to the marginalized, famously calling the Church a “field hospital for sinners” rather than a “museum of saints.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of Pope Francis’ leadership was his genuine pastoral heart—his ability to embrace the sick, the poor, and the disenfranchised with tender compassion. Stories of his personal encounters, such as comforting a young boy who had just lost his father, reveal a pope who was more than a distant figurehead. He was a servant leader walking closely with his flock.
Despite the inevitable criticisms and controversies, his papacy challenged us to deepen our faith, study Church teachings more earnestly, and embody the joy of the Gospel. His call to “go and get the smell of the sheep on you” urged all believers to engage actively with those in need, not just in charity but in genuine relationships and dialogue.
The Period of Transition: What Happens When the Pope Dies?
The passing of a pope is a moment of mourning and reflection but also the beginning of a carefully structured process that ensures the continuity of the Church’s leadership.
The first official step is the confirmation of the pope’s death by the Camerlengo, the chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church. Historically, this role even involved the dramatic task of verifying death by calling the pope’s baptismal name three times and, in earlier times, physically checking for life. Today, modern medicine has thankfully rendered such measures unnecessary.
Following this, the Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring—a symbol of his authority—is ceremonially destroyed to prevent the forgery of official documents. The pope’s private apartments are sealed. This period also includes a formal announcement to the world and a nine-day mourning period marked by prayer and reflection, aligning with the spiritual significance of novenas and the Easter season.
Pope Francis’ funeral and burial plans reflected his simplicity and devotion to the Blessed Mother, choosing to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major rather than the traditional St. Peter’s Basilica.
The College of Cardinals and the Role of the Camerlengo
While the Camerlengo administers the Vatican’s day-to-day affairs during this sede vacante (vacant seat) period, he does not hold the authority of the pope. Instead, the College of Cardinals collectively governs the Church until a new pope is elected. This body of senior church leaders begins convening immediately, preparing for the conclave and discussing the Church’s needs in this pivotal moment.
The college comprises cardinals from around the world, each appointed by previous popes to serve as advisors and electors. However, only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. These men bring diverse perspectives and experiences, representing the global nature of the Church.
The Conclave to Elect New Pope: A Process Rooted in Prayer and Tradition
The conclave itself is one of the most fascinating and solemn traditions in the Catholic Church. This gathering of cardinals is held in the Sistine Chapel, a space rich with artistic and spiritual significance, including Michelangelo’s famous frescoes of the Last Judgment. The cardinals are sequestered “under lock and key,” with no communication to the outside world, phones confiscated, and media barred to protect the integrity of the process.
Each day, the cardinals cast up to four secret ballots, praying fervently for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority plus one vote to be elected pope. This high threshold ensures broad consensus and reflects the gravity of the decision.
Historically, conclaves have varied greatly in length—from a few days to the extraordinary three-year conclave of the 13th century, which famously prompted locals to lock the cardinals inside and even remove the roof to hasten their decision!
After a successful vote, the newly elected pope is asked if he accepts the role. Upon acceptance, he chooses a papal name, symbolizing a new mission and identity.
Popes typically chose names reflecting saints or virtues they wish to emulate; Pope Francis chose his name to honor St. Francis of Assisi’s humility and care for the poor.
The outside world learns of the election through the iconic “smoke signals”: black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke announces a new pope. This simple, ancient signal connects millions of faithful worldwide in anticipation and joy.
Who Can Be Pope? The Role of Cardinals and the Possibility of Surprises
While any baptized Catholic man may technically become pope, in practice, the College of Cardinals elects one of their own—men who have demonstrated leadership, theological expertise, and pastoral care. The cardinals represent a broad spectrum of theological views and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the Church’s universality. This diversity often results in negotiations and compromises, with a third candidate sometimes emerging as a consensus choice.
Speculation abounds about who might be the next pope, with names from different continents and perspectives circulating. Some suggest figures like the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who brings experience navigating complex interreligious dynamics, or influential cardinals from Africa or Asia, where the Church is growing rapidly. The choice often reflects the Church’s current challenges, such as interreligious dialogue, evangelization, and addressing global crises.
The Papacy: A Sign of Unity and Continuity
The conclave is more than a political or administrative procedure—it’s a profound spiritual event rooted in apostolic succession.
From St. Peter, the first pope, to Pope Francis, the unbroken line of popes represents Christ’s ongoing presence and guidance in the Church. This continuity has withstood centuries of turmoil, heresies, and challenges, sustained by the Holy Spirit.
The pope serves as the visible sign of unity for Catholics worldwide, a spiritual father who guides the Church in faith and morals. Their role is essential in preserving the Church’s mission and identity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery and Mission of the Church
The conclave is a testament to the Church’s rich tradition, deep faith, and reliance on divine guidance. It is a moment that invites all Catholics to deepen their trust in God’s providence and to participate through prayer and reflection.
Pope Francis’ legacy challenges us to live out the joy of the Gospel, to serve the marginalized, and to remain hopeful amid uncertainty. As the Church prepares to welcome a new pope, let us unite in prayer for wisdom, courage, and clarity—qualities needed to lead the Church in today’s complex world.
May the Holy Spirit guide the College of Cardinals, and may the new pope be a true shepherd, leading the faithful toward a deeper encounter with Christ and a renewed mission to transform the world.
Prayer for Pope Francis and the Church
Come Holy Spirit, merciful Father, you called Pope Francis to be a servant of servants, a shepherd after your own heart, a voice of mercy in a wounded world. In life, he led us with humility, spoke truth with tenderness, and reminded us by word and by witness that your love knows no bounds. Receive him now into your eternal embrace. Grant him the reward promised to those who spend themselves in your service. May he behold the face of Jesus, rest in the peace he so often preached, and intercede for the Church he so deeply loved. Comfort your people in this time of mourning. Renew us in the hope he proclaimed that in Christ death is not the end but the door to eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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