Pope Francis, at 88, is currently in critical condition due to double pneumonia and a lung infection. His health has raised concerns about the protocols for when a pope is unable to fulfill his duties or passes away. Upon a pope’s death, the Vatican enters the interregnum period, during which the camerlengo verifies the death and locks the papal apartment. The funeral occurs within 4-6 days, followed by a nine-day mourning period. A papal conclave, gathering cardinals under 80, occurs 15-20 days later to elect a new pope. If incapacitated, a pope cannot be replaced unless he resigns voluntarily.
Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he continues to fight double pneumonia and a lung infection, with doctors vigilantly monitoring for early signs of kidney complications. Although the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff is responding to treatment, his health has once again highlighted the protocols that come into play when a pope is unable to perform his duties due to serious illness or in the event of his death.
The world’s 1.3 billion Catholics await with bated breath for the selection of a new pope upon the death of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The process involves several important steps before white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel, marking the election of a new pontiff.
In the Event of Death
When a pope passes away, the Vatican enters the interregnum period—the time span between his death and the election of a new leader. The process begins with the camerlengo (the Vatican’s administrator of property and revenues) confirming the pope’s death. He does this by calling out the pope’s baptismal name three times. If there is no reply, he announces, “The pope is truly dead.”
In the past, a small silver hammer was used to tap the pope’s forehead, but this practice was discontinued after 1963.
The Vatican then notifies the world through official channels, and churches globally may ring their bells in mourning.
The camerlengo then:
- Secures the papal apartment (traditionally done to prevent looting).
- Arranges for the destruction of the pope’s Fisherman’s Ring and seal, symbolizing the end of his reign.
- Informs the Church and the public.
- Plans the funeral and mourning period.
According to the Universi Dominici Gregis constitution, which governs the papal transition, the pope’s funeral must occur between 4-6 days after his death. Afterward, the Church observes nine days of mourning. The pope is typically buried in St. Peter’s Basilica, although he may request burial in a different location.
Election of a New Pope
Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, the papal conclave convenes. Cardinals under 80 years of age gather at the Vatican for this ancient and cloistered process. They lock themselves inside the Sistine Chapel, completely isolated from the outside world—no media, no phones, and no communication. They vote in multiple rounds until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority.
After each ballot, the votes are burned.
- Black smoke – No decision made.
- White smoke – A new pope has been elected.
New Pope is Announced
Once a pope is elected, the Dean of the Cardinals formally inquires if he accepts the position. If he consents, he chooses a papal name, often inspired by previous popes or saints. Following this, the Senior Cardinal Deacon steps onto the grand balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces to the eagerly awaiting crowd: “Habemus Papam” – Latin for “We have a pope”.
Shortly thereafter, the newly elected pope steps forward to address the sea of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, offering his first blessing as the leader of the Catholic Church.
When the Pope is Incapacitated
If a pope is incapacitated but still living, there is no official protocol for his replacement. In such instances, senior cardinals manage the Church’s operations, though crucial decisions that require the pope’s approval may be postponed. The only viable solution is for the pope to resign voluntarily, as Pope Benedict XVI did in 2013 due to declining health.
His resignation was historic—it marked the first in 600 years—and allowed the papal conclave to commence earlier than the customary 15-day period. After five rounds of voting, Pope Francis was elected as his successor, leading to a unique situation where a former and current pope resided together in the Vatican.
Pope Benedict passed away on December 31, 2022, and Pope Francis officiated his funeral.