The Catholic Church is mourning the loss of its leader, Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Pope’s death marks the end of his 12-year tenure, during which he became the first Jesuit and Latin American pope. As the Church prepares for a new era, a conclave will be held to elect a successor, a process steeped in centuries-old tradition.
The Conclave Process
The conclave, which typically begins 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death, will be attended by 138 cardinals under 80. These cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, where they will elect the next Pope through a two-thirds majority vote. The process is designed to be spiritual and introspective, where cardinals seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Preparations for the Conclave
Following Pope Francis’s death, the Vatican Chamberlain, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, certified the Pope’s passing by calling his name three times at his bedside. The Pope’s office and private apartments were sealed, and the papal fisherman’s ring was removed from his finger and broken with a hammer. The Pope’s body was then dressed in red robes with a white miter on his head and taken to St Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days.
Funeral and Mourning Period
A nine-day mourning period has begun, during which the Catholic Church will pay its respects to the late Pope. The funeral will occur within four to six days after the Pope’s death and will be held in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Notably, Pope Francis had expressed his desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood rather than in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s.
What to Expect from the Conclave
The conclave is highly anticipated, with many speculating about potential candidates to lead the Catholic Church. While the process is largely shrouded in mystery, one thing is sure – the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new leader who will guide the Church’s 1.39 billion followers worldwide. The conclave may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months, although modern conclaves have typically been shorter.
Key Players in the Conclave
Some notable cardinals who will participate in the conclave include six French cardinals, such as Aveline, François Bustillo, and Christophe Pierre. Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will announce the new Pope to the world. The cardinals will take an oath of secrecy, pledging “with the greatest fidelity” never to reveal the details of the conclave.
As the Catholic Church embarks on this new chapter, the world watches with bated breath, awaiting the election of the next Pope. The conclave is a time-honored tradition that will determine the course of the Church’s future, and its outcome will have far-reaching implications for Catholics around the globe.