Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies?

Pope Francis is currently in critical condition, sparking concerns and prayers from people around the world. As the leader of the Catholic Church, the Pope plays a significant role in the spiritual guidance and direction of over a billion followers. His health is closely monitored, and any news regarding his condition is met with great attention and concern.

If Pope Francis were to pass away, the Catholic Church would go through a period of mourning and transition. The death of a Pope triggers a series of carefully orchestrated procedures that have been in place for centuries.

First and foremost, the death of a Pope is officially confirmed by the Cardinal Camerlengo, who is the head of the Apostolic Chamber and responsible for the administration of the Vatican during the interregnum. The Camerlengo traditionally taps the Pope’s forehead three times with a silver hammer to ensure he is indeed deceased.

Once the death is confirmed, the Camerlengo seals the Pope’s private apartments and removes the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of the Pope’s authority. The Pope’s body is then embalmed and placed in state for public viewing in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The College of Cardinals, the body responsible for electing the new Pope, is summoned to Rome for a conclave. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals are sequestered until a new Pope is elected. Each cardinal casts a secret ballot, and a two-thirds majority is required to elect the new Pope.

During the conclave, the cardinals are cut off from the outside world, with no communication allowed with the outside world until a new Pope is elected. The election process can take several days, with multiple rounds of voting if necessary.

Once a new Pope is elected, the Cardinal Dean announces “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”) from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The new Pope then appears and delivers his first papal blessing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

The death of a Pope is a solemn and significant event in the Catholic Church, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another. As Pope Francis remains in critical condition, the faithful around the world continue to pray for his health and well-being, while also preparing for the possibility of a papal transition.