Pope Francis dies at 88: How the days ahead will unfold
The period between pontiffs is known as the “papal interregnum,” when the church is without a spiritual leader. During this period of “sede vacante," or “empty chair,” the church follows a clear set of rules as laid out in the apostolic constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis.
1. Death
The pontiff’s death triggers an elaborate series of rituals which will be orchestrated by the camerlengo, a senior Vatican official.
2. Exposition of the body
Pope Francis’ body initially lies in rest for private visits by the papal household, Vatican staff, heads of state and religious leaders.
It is then moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state and allow the public to pay their respects.
3. General Congregations
On a day set by the camerlengo and until conclave begins, cardinals meet daily to manage day-to-day business of the church, as well as coordinate the lying in state, funeral and conclave.
4. ‘Novendiales’
The church observes an Ancient Roman ritual known as the “novendiales,” which calls for nine days of mourning.
Starting with the funeral Mass, a different cardinal celebrates a public funeral rite for the pontiff each day.
5. Conclave
A secretive vote to elect the next pope is held within the Sistine Chapel, the home of conclave.
The ballot papers are burned after votes, with crowds waiting outside in St. Peter’s Square for white smoke to rise from the chapel chimney signaling a new pontiff.
6. Inauguration
A Mass is celebrated to install the 267th pope and usually takes place a few days after his election.
While it is his choice when and where to hold the Mass, it is generally held at St. Peter’s.
1. Death
The pontiff’s death triggers an elaborate series of rituals which will be orchestrated by the camerlengo, a senior Vatican official.
2. Exposition of the body
Pope Francis’ body initially lies in rest for private visits by the papal household, Vatican staff, heads of state and religious leaders.
It is then moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state and allow the public to pay their respects.
3. General Congregations
On a day set by the camerlengo and until conclave begins, cardinals meet daily to manage day-to-day business of the church, as well as coordinate the lying in state, funeral and conclave.
4. ‘Novendiales’
The church observes an Ancient Roman ritual known as the “novendiales,” which calls for nine days of mourning.
Starting with the funeral Mass, a different cardinal celebrates a public funeral rite for the pontiff each day.
5. Conclave
A secretive vote to elect the next pope is held within the Sistine Chapel, the home of conclave.
The ballot papers are burned after votes, with crowds waiting outside in St. Peter’s Square for white smoke to rise from the chapel chimney signaling a new pontiff.
6. Inauguration
A Mass is celebrated to install the 267th pope and usually takes place a few days after his election.
While it is his choice when and where to hold the Mass, it is generally held at St. Peter’s.
1. Death
2. Exposition of the body
3. General Congregations
Pope Francis’ body initially lies in rest for private visits by the papal household, Vatican staff, heads of state and religious leaders.
It is then moved to St. Peter’s Basilica to lie in state and allow the public to pay their respects.
The pontiff’s death triggers an elaborate series of rituals which will be orchestrated by the camerlengo, a senior Vatican official.
On a day set by the camerlengo and until conclave begins, cardinals meet daily to manage
day-to-day business of the church, as well as coordinate the lying in state, funeral and conclave.
4. ‘Novendiales’
5. Conclave
6. Inauguration
A secretive vote to elect the next pope is held within the Sistine Chapel, the home of conclave.
The ballot papers are burned after votes, with crowds waiting outside in St. Peter’s Square for white smoke to rise from the chapel chimney signaling a new pontiff.
The church observes an Ancient Roman ritual known as the “novendiales,” which calls for nine days of mourning.
Starting with the funeral Mass, a different cardinal celebrates a public funeral rite for the pontiff each day.
A Mass is celebrated to install the 267th pope and usually takes place a few days after his election.
While it is his choice when and where to hold the Mass, it is generally held at St. Peter’s.
