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After Pope Francis: What Happens Next for the Catholic Church?

Apr 21, 2025 10:43AM ● By Nicole Petrus

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following complications from double pneumonia. His death marks the beginning of a significant transition period for the Roman Catholic Church.​

Immediate Aftermath: Sede Vacante

With the Pope's passing, the Vatican enters a period known as sede vacante ("the seat being vacant"). During this time, the governance of the Church is managed by the College of Cardinals, with limited authority, under the direction of the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The Camerlengo's duties include confirming the Pope's death, sealing his private apartments, and overseeing the destruction of the Fisherman's Ring and the papal seal to prevent misuse The Express TribuneWikipedia.​

Mourning and Funeral Arrangements

A nine-day mourning period, known as novendiales, follows the Pope's death. Pope Francis had expressed a desire for a modest funeral and burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, foregoing the traditional display of his body on a raised platform Reuters. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, with the funeral date yet to be announced AP News.​

The Path to a New Pope: The Conclave

Between 15 and 20 days after the Pope's death, the College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect his successor. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, totaling up to 120 electors. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals cast secret ballots, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new Pope. White smoke from the chapel's chimney signals a successful election, while black smoke indicates no decision has been reached TimeReuters.​

Potential Successors

Several cardinals are considered potential successors:​

  • Cardinal Pietro Parolin: Vatican Secretary of State, known for his diplomatic acumen.​

  • Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle: A progressive voice from the Philippines, emphasizing inclusivity.​

  • Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: Archbishop of Bologna, recognized for his pastoral approach.​

  • Cardinal Péter Erdő: A conservative Hungarian prelate with significant theological expertise.​Time

Pope Francis appointed approximately 80% of the current voting cardinals, potentially influencing the ideological direction of the next papacy .​Time

Global Reactions

Tributes have poured in from around the world. Former U.S. President Joe Biden hailed Pope Francis as "one of the most consequential leaders of our time" . In Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral's bells tolled 88 times in his honor, and the Eiffel Tower's lights were dimmed . In Italy, Serie A football matches were postponed, reflecting the nation's mourning .​Vanity Fair+3AP News+3talkSPORT+3CBS NewstalkSPORT

As the Church navigates this period of transition, the world watches closely, awaiting the election of a new spiritual leader to guide the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.

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