From Interregnum to White Smoke — The Transition After a Pope’s Death
The Catholic world is in mourning as Pope Francis, spiritual leader to over 1.4 billion Catholics globally, passed away at the age of 88 after battling age-related health complications. His death marks the end of a significant era in the Vatican and sets in motion a detailed and time-honored process to select the next pope.
🕊️ What Happens Immediately After the Pope’s Death?
Following a pope’s death, the Vatican enters a period known as the “interregnum,” a Latin term meaning “between reigns.” This is the interval between the death of the current pope and the election of the next.
The process begins with the Camerlengo—a cardinal responsible for Vatican administration—officially confirming the pope’s death. Traditionally, this was done by calling out the pope’s baptismal name three times. Though the ritual of tapping the pope’s forehead with a silver hammer was discontinued in 1963, the solemn verification remains symbolically significant.
Once the death is confirmed, the pope’s papal ring (the Fisherman’s Ring) and seal are ceremonially destroyed, symbolizing the end of his authority. The papal apartments are locked, a historical practice meant to secure personal and official belongings.
An official announcement is then made by the Vatican to inform the world.
⚰️ Funeral and Mourning
As per the Universi Dominici Gregis (the Vatican document that outlines papal transitions), the pope’s funeral takes place within 4 to 6 days. The location of burial is usually St. Peter’s Basilica, unless the pope has requested otherwise.
This is followed by a nine-day mourning period, observed by the Church and the faithful around the world.
🗳️ How is the New Pope Chosen?
The process to elect a new pope begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, when the papal conclave is convened. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.
This conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals are isolated from the outside world—no media, phones, or communication is permitted.
Voting is done in multiple rounds. After each vote, ballots are burned.
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Black smoke from the chimney means no pope has been selected.
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White smoke signals the election of a new pope.
📣 The Moment the World Hears: “Habemus Papam”
Once a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, he is asked if he accepts the papacy. Upon agreement, he chooses a papal name, often in homage to a saint or previous pope.
The Senior Cardinal Deacon then announces from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica:
“Habemus Papam” — “We have a Pope.”
Soon after, the newly elected pope appears before the public and delivers his first blessing.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the Vatican, where a centuries-old process will soon unfold—one steeped in tradition, faith, and global anticipation.
