WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE POPE DIES?
Day 1 – Death of the Pope
• The Camerlengo (chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church) officially verifies the pope’s death.
• The pope’s Fisherman’s Ring and seal are destroyed to prevent forgery.
• The See of Peter (Sede Vacante) officially begins—no pope, so no one leads the Church
Days 1–9 – Mourning and Funeral Rites
• The pope’s body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.
• A funeral Mass is held 4–6 days after death.
• Novemdiales: Nine days of mourning with special Masses and prayers are held.
Days 1–15 (or up to 20) – Preparation for the Conclave
• Cardinals under age 80 (usually around 120) are summoned to Rome.
• Daily General Congregations of cardinals are held to manage Church affairs and prepare for the conclave.
• The Sistine Chapel is prepared: cleaned, sealed off, and secured to ensure secrecy.
• Cardinals are housed in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House), a Vatican residence.
Day 15–20 – Conclave Begins
• The conclave starts no sooner than 15 days after the pope’s death, no later than 20, unless shortened by papal decree or all cardinals are present.
• Cardinals process into the Sistine Chapel and take an oath of secrecy.
• The doors are locked: extra omnes (“everyone out”) is declared, and the voting begins.
VOTING PROCESS
• Up to 4 ballots per day (2 in the morning, 2 in the afternoon).
• A 2/3 majority is needed to elect a new pope.
• Ballots are burned after each voting round—black smoke means no pope, white smoke means one has been elected.
ONCE A POPE IS ELECTED
• He is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”
• If he accepts, he chooses a papal name.
• The new pope dresses in white and appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s.
• The announcement is made: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a Pope!”)
WE HAVE SEDE VACANTE (VACANT SEAT).
MAY THE INSPIRE THE CARDINALS TO ELECT A WORTHY SERVANT FOR THE CHURCH. AMEN
GOD BLESS THE CHURCH.