Pope Francis Dies At 88. What Happens When A Pope Passes Away? | GFX

The Camerlengo* —Currently Irishborn Cardinal Kevin Farrell — officially confirms the pope’s death. He visits the deceased pope, calls out his name three times, and then declares him dead. (News18)

The pope’s ring and bulla are destroyed with a special hammer by the Camerlengo. This symbolises the end of his authority and prevents forgery of documents. (News18)

His private chambers are sealed, and the Vatican enters sede vacante (“the seat is vacant”), a period where governance of the Church temporarily shifts to the College of Cardinals. (News18)

The Church observes nine days of mourning, known as Novendiale, an ancient tradition. The pope’s body is dressed in full papal vestments and placed in St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. (News18)

Historically, popes were embalmed and their organs removed before burial. A church near Rome’s Trevi Fountain holds the hearts of over 20 former popes as relics. (News18)

Most popes are buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica. However, Pope Francis has requested burial at Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Major. If honoured, he would be the first pope in a century to be buried outside the Vatican. (News18)

During sede vacante — the period between the end of one pontificate and the election of a new pope — the Camerlengo temporarily oversees the Church, assisted by three cardinals chosen at random. (News18)

The new pope is chosen in a secretive process called the conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel. (News18)

After each voting round, ballots are burned. (News18)

The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts. If he does, he chooses a papal name, often honouring a saint or a previous pope. (News18)