With the death of Pope Francis, the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics are entering a period of mourning and transition.
The Vatican announced the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at 7:35 a.m. at the Casa Santa Marta following complications from pneumonia. After an examination, Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli determined the pope died from a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse, according to the death certificate published just over 12 hours after Francis’ death.
His funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
The death of the Pope initiates a complex and centuries-old process to select his successor. The period of Sede Vacante-Latin for “the seat is vacant”- now begins, transferring authority to the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, is responsible for verifying the Pope’s death and overseeing Church operations until a new Pope is elected.
Within 15 to 20 days, cardinals under the age of 80 will gather from across the world in the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave. Voting continues in multiple secret ballots until one candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. White smoke from the chapel chimney will signal the election of the new Pope, followed by the announcement, “Habemus papam.”
Pope Francis’ funeral will take place four to six days after his death and will follow an updated version of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, which he approved in 2024. Departing from tradition, he requested burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome rather than beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was the first Jesuit and South American pope. Known for his humility and progressive tone, he led efforts to reform the Church while navigating global crises and institutional scandals.
As Catholics worldwide pay their respects, attention now turns to the upcoming conclave and the future direction of the Catholic Church.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)