The sudden death of Pope Francis less than two months ago has plunged the Vatican and Catholic Church into mourning. His departure closes a great papacy that touched the world and changed millions of lives. Following his passing, the Catholic Church, which boasts approximately 1.4 billion followers, now faces the crucial task of selecting a successor. The College of Cardinals will soon be convening to elect a new pontiff. This conclave, as they almost always are, will be held under the breathtakingly beautiful frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, with eligible cardinals from every continent.
It is in this heavy and historically significant ambience that the Catholic Church will go through the complex and fascinating process of electing a new leader. With the conclave just a few weeks away, you don’t want to miss this one! Cardinals will meet in secret to discuss and then vote on who will guide the Church into its next chapter.
The Conclave Process
The conclave would be held in the Sistine Chapel. This sacred site, considered the pinnacle of Catholic architecture, is steeped in long history. This sacred venue has hosted the election of popes for centuries, resonating with the prayers and hopes of countless faithful. There are 136 eligible cardinals capable of participating, but the number permitted to vote is limited by the rules to a maximum of 120.
The selection is more than just a ceremonial moment of deliberation and reflection. It is an intensely consequential decision for the Church. Each cardinal will vote in secret, following a procedure that usually takes place over two to three weeks. The cloak of secrecy shrouding these votes guarantees that debate and deliberation are kept under wraps until a new pope is elected.
“I elect as supreme pontiff” – Latin for “Eligo in Summum Pontificem”
When a candidate has received sufficient support, white smoke will pour out of the chimney atop St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the unmistakable signal to the world that a new pope has been elected. This historic tradition sets hearts on fire for Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It represents an extraordinary moment of hope in the Church’s history.
Mourning and Farewell
As plans for the conclave start taking shape, the body of Pope Francis will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Public mourners will be able to pay their respects during this period. This period of public mourning is the best way to honor his legacy. It honors his immense impact on the Catholic Church and world community during his 27-year papacy.
From the beginning, Pope Francis had signaled his wish for simplicity, an impulse that would ultimately be seen in his final instructions for burial. He stated, “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.” This wish for simplicity matches perfectly with the humble and servant-lead direction on which his papacy has taken the church.
A solemn, giant mass funeral service will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica. Dignitaries, civic leaders, and clergy from across the world will learn from this solemn event. The funeral rites will offer a time to grieve the loss of Pope Francis, but rejoice in his legacy and continue his vision for the Church.
The Next Pope
The new pope would then be chosen from among the eligible cardinals. So far, all of these cardinals are Roman Catholic men. This requirement is indicative of patriarchal roots ingrained within the Church, which has prevented women from holding papal leadership for centuries. The future pontiff will inherit this same large and growing global flock, with the goal of confronting modern-day issues, all while promoting the true teachings of the church.
The next election will provide a big change in leadership. Alongside the invitation to radical change, it offers a moment of collective unity and hope for Catholics around the world. As they await news from the conclave, many are eager to see how the new pope will guide the Church in addressing issues such as social justice, interfaith dialogue, and global crises.
