What's happened
Pope Francis passed away at 88, initiating the Sede Vacante period. Cardinals are gathering in Rome to prepare for a conclave to elect his successor. The camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will oversee the transition, including the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring and the organization of the funeral and conclave.
What's behind the headline?
Overview
The death of Pope Francis has significant implications for the Catholic Church, as it enters a critical transition period. The conclave will not only determine the next pope but also reflect the Church's evolving priorities.
Key Points
- Camerlengo's Role: Cardinal Kevin Farrell will manage the Church's affairs during this period, including certifying the pope's death and overseeing the funeral arrangements.
- Conclave Dynamics: The conclave is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days, with 135 eligible cardinals under 80 participating. The secrecy of the voting process is paramount, with black smoke indicating no decision and white smoke signaling the election of a new pope.
- Potential Candidates: The list of papabili includes diverse candidates, reflecting the Church's global nature. Notable names include Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Peter Turkson, each representing different regions and perspectives within the Church.
Implications
The choice of the next pope will likely influence the Church's stance on various issues, including social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and interfaith dialogue. The global Catholic community will be watching closely as the cardinals deliberate and vote, with the potential for a significant shift in leadership style and priorities.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the ceremonial aspects of the transition, detailing the camerlengo's responsibilities and the funeral arrangements for Pope Francis. The New Arab emphasizes the significance of the conclave and the potential for a Lebanese pope, highlighting Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai's influence despite his age. The NY Post outlines the procedural aspects of the conclave, including the voting process and the secrecy surrounding it. Each source provides a unique perspective on the implications of Francis's death and the ensuing transition, illustrating the diverse reactions and expectations within the Catholic community.
How we got here
Pope Francis's death marks the end of his papacy, which began in 2013. His tenure was characterized by a focus on humility and outreach. The established protocols for papal succession will now be enacted, including the Sede Vacante period and the conclave to elect a new pope.
Go deeper
- What happens during the conclave?
- Who are the leading candidates for pope?
- How will this impact the Catholic Church?
Common question
-
What Happens Next After Pope Francis' Death?
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church and its followers worldwide. As the Church enters a period of transition, many are left wondering about the implications of his death, the process of selecting a new pope, and the reactions from global leaders. Below, we explore the most pressing questions surrounding this significant event.
More on these topics
-
Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
-
Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
-
Kevin Joseph Farrell KGCHS is an Irish-American prelate and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he was a former member of the Legion of Christ, and served as the seventh Bishop of Dallas, as well as the chancellor of the University