Death of Pope Francis: Here’s How The Next Pope Will Be Elected

Following the announcement of the death of Pope Francis today (Monday 21st April, 2025), at the age of eighty-eight (88), the Catholic Church has now entered a period known as sede vacante, which is Latin for “the seat being vacant.” This marks the beginning of a centuries-old process to elect a new Pope — steeped in ritual, secrecy, and undoubtedly, global significance.

The Vatican on Monday released Pope Francis’ official death certificate, with Dr. Andrea Arcangeli revealing the Pope died as a result of a stroke and irreversible heart failure. His death certificate also notes that the Pope fell into a coma before his death on Monday morning. 

In this article we will delve into the process of electing the next Pope.

The Immediate Aftermath: Sede Vacante

When the Pope passed away, the Cardinal Camerlengo — currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell — officially confirmed his passing by calling out the Pope’s baptismal name a total of three (3) times. He then oversaw the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, the papal signet, to prevent any unauthorized use of the late pontiff’s authority.

Pope Francis had previously simplified the funeral rites of the papacy, opting for a more modest ceremony. His body will lie in State at St. Peter’s Basilica, starting on Wednesday (23rd April, 2025), with the funeral expected to take place between the fourth and sixth day following his death. It is interesting to note that he requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary. 

The College of Cardinals: Electors of The Next Pope

The responsibility of electing a new Pope falls to the College of Cardinals. Presently, there are 135 Cardinal Electors under the age of eighty (80), which is the eligibility cut-off age established by Pope Paul VI in 1970. Of these, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, potentially influencing the ideological direction of the next pontificate.

These Cardinals represent a diverse global Church, with many hailing from the Global South, reflecting Francis’ emphasis on inclusivity and outreach to the peripheries.

The Conclave: A Sacred And Secretive Process

The conclave, the formal process of electing a new Pope, will convene in the Sistine Chapel. Traditionally, this begins approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) days after the Pope’s death, allowing time for mourning and for all electors to arrive in Rome.

The proceedings commence with the command “extra omnes” (“everyone out”), signaling all non-electors to leave the chapel. The Cardinals then take an oath of secrecy and are sequestered without access to external communication, staying at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City.

The Voting Procedure

Voting occurs up to four (4) times per day — twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Each Cardinal will write the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot inscribed with “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new Pope, a rule reinstated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, in order to encourage consensus in the process. 

After each voting session, the ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates no decision has been reached, while white smoke, often accompanied by the ringing of bells, announces the successful election of a new Pope.

The Acceptance And Announcement

Once a candidate secures the necessary majority, he is asked if he accepts the election and by what name he wishes to be known. He then retires to the “Room of Tears,” which is a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel, to don the papal vestments.

The Senior Cardinal Deacon then appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, to proclaim “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”), introducing the new pontiff, who subsequently gives his first blessing to the faithful gathered in the square below.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming conclave will be closely watched around the world, as the College of Cardinals seeks to elect a leader who can navigate the complexities of the modern world, while upholding the traditions of the Church. Given the diverse composition of the electors and the global challenges facing Catholicism in 2025 and beyond, the selection of the next Pope will be a momentous decision with far-reaching implications.