The Death, Burial, and Election After the Passing of a Pope

Overview of the Papal Conclave, election of a new pope is a deeply spiritual and highly structured process known as the papal conclave. This event occurs upon the death or resignation of a pope, and the College of Cardinals The gathers to select a successor.​Eligibility to Vote: Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. Currently, there are 135 cardinal electors, out of a total of 252 cardinals worldwide. The conclave is expected to commence The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. The chapel is closed to the public during this period to maintain the secrecy of the proceedings .​ Voting continues until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. If no pope is elected after three days, a break for prayer and discussion is permitted. The process can extend for several days, depending on the circumstances.

Voting Procedure

Opening Mass: The conclave begins with a special Mass, "Pro Eligendo Pontifice," in St. Peter's Basilica, invoking divine guidance for the election, Secrecy Oath: Cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before entering the Sistine Chapel. The Latin phrase "extra omnes" is announced, signaling that only cardinals are permitted to remain .Ballot Casting: Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot paper, which reads "Eligo in Summum Pontificem" ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff"). The ballots are then placed into a chalice.Counting and Burning: The ballots are counted, and the results are announced. If no candidate achieves the required majority, the ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates no decision; white smoke signals the election of a new pope .

Decision-Making and Election, Majority Requirement: A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected pope. This ensures broad consensus among the electors .Spiritual Guidance: The election process is conducted with a focus on spiritual discernment, seeking divine guidance in selecting the new pope . Announcement: Once a pope is elected, the senior cardinal deacon announces the election to the public with the words "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope").​

The Spiritual and Ritualistic Nature of the Conclave,The conclave's rituals are designed to ensure that the election is conducted with solemnity and respect. Cardinals take an oath of secrecy and enter the Sistine Chapel, a space adorned with sacred art, to cast their votes. The ballots are burned after each vote, with black smoke indicating no election and white smoke signaling the election of a new pope. These practices are deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and are intended to maintain the sanctity and confidentiality of the process .​ Decision-Making and Election,Majority Requirement: A candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be elected pope. This ensures broad consensus among the electors ,Addressing Speculations and Conspiracy Theories, Additionally, there have been historical instances where individuals attempted to influence papal elections through illicit means. For example, in the 14th century, Bishop Hugues Géraud of Cahors was executed for attempting to poison Pope John XXII using witchcraft. This incident, however, was an isolated case and does not reflect the standard practices of the conclave. The election of a new pope, known as the papal conclave, is a deeply spiritual and highly structured process rooted in centuries of tradition. While some have speculated about occult influences or hidden rituals, there is no credible evidence to support such claims. The conclave is conducted with utmost secrecy and reverence, focusing solely on selecting a spiritual leader for the Catholic Church.​

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Papal Elections, Catholic doctrine holds that the Holy Spirit guides the conclave in selecting the pope. However, this guidance does not override the free will of the cardinals. As Dr. Jeff Mirus explains, "The Holy Spirit does not choose the pope; that is left to the vagaries of men, and the vagaries of their response to grace" . This perspective underscores the belief that while divine guidance is sought, the election process remains a human endeavor

While the secrecy and rituals of the papal conclave have given rise to various speculations and conspiracy theories, there is no substantiated evidence to suggest that occult practices influence the election of the pope. The conclave is a sacred process aimed at discerning the will of God through prayer, reflection, and the free will of the cardinals. Any claims of witchcraft or hidden rituals lack credible support and should be viewed with skepticism.​

When a pope dies, the Catholic Church follows a series of solemn and ancient traditions, preserved for centuries with deep reverence and symbolism.

The upcoming conclave is particularly significant as it follows the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 . The election will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church, with potential candidates including Italian cardinals Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, and Pierre Baptista Pizzaballa, as well as non-Italian cardinals such as Luis Tagle from the Philippines and Robert Sarah from Guinea.

The death of a pope initiates a series of solemn and deeply symbolic rituals within the Catholic Church. These rites, steeped in centuries of tradition, are meticulously outlined in the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the liturgical book governing papal funerary practices. While some aspects have evolved over time, the core elements remain consistent, reflecting the Church's reverence for the papacy and its commitment to honoring the deceased pontiff

Initial Rituals: Confirmation of Death and Sealing of the Pontificate

Upon the pope's death, the Camerlengo (Chamberlain) is responsible for confirming the passing. Traditionally, this involved calling the pope by his baptismal name three times without response. While the practice of tapping the pope's forehead with a silver hammer was once part of this ritual, it has been discontinued in recent times

The Moment of Death,Immediately after the pope’s death, the Camerlengo (the Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church) officially verifies the passing.

Traditionally, he calls the pope by his baptismal name three times. In the past, he gently tapped the pope's forehead with a silver hammer — a custom now discontinued.

After confirmation, the Camerlengo seals the pope’s private apartments and offices. The Ring of the Fisherman, a symbol of the pope’s authority, is destroyed to prevent any misuse.

Preparation of the Body,The pope’s body is taken to a private preparation room inside the Apostolic Palace.

There, it is washed, anointed according to Catholic ritual, and dressed in red papal vestments — symbolizing martyrdom and readiness to meet Christ.

At this stage, everything is private and sacred, without public viewing.

The Silent Procession, Within 24 hours of death, the pope’s body is transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica.

A chosen group of Vatican ceremonial workers (known as the Papal Gentlemen) carefully carries the body through the Vatican.

They wear black mourning clothes and some cover their heads with black veils — a sign of deep sorrow and humility before God.

The body is carried slowly from the Apostolic Palace, through the Hall of Blessings, and into St. Peter’s Basilica, sometimes passing through secret corridors.

This moment is deeply private, filled with silent prayer — no ritualists, no magic, only solemn Catholic respect.

Lying in State, The pope's body is dressed in crimson papal vestments and placed in a simple wooden coffin. Public viewing allows the faithful to pay their respects. This period of mourning, known as the novemdiales, lasts nine days and includes daily Masses and prayers.The pope's body is dressed in crimson papal vestments and placed in a simple wooden coffin. Public viewing allows the faithful to pay their respects. This period of mourning, known as the novemdiales, lasts nine days and includes daily Masses and prayers.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope’s body is placed in front of the Altar of the Confession, which sits directly above the tomb of Saint Peter, the first pope.

The body lies on a bier or open casket for several days, allowing Catholics from all over the world to come, pray, and pay their final respects.

This period is called lying in state. Thousands and sometimes millions visit during this sacred time.

The Funeral Mass, The funeral Mass is typically held in St. Peter's Square, presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals. The body is then transported to the burial site, often beneath St. Peter's Basilica, though recent papacies have seen burials in other locations, such as Pope Francis's interment at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.Before sealing the coffin, a rogito (official record) detailing the pope's papacy is placed inside, along with coins minted during his tenure. The coffin is then sealed with wax and lead seals, ensuring its integrity until the resurrectionFour to six days after death, a grand funeral Mass is held, usually outdoors in St. Peter’s Square if the crowd is too large for the Basilica.

The Dean of the College of Cardinals presides over the Mass.

World leaders, kings, queens, presidents, and millions of faithful gather.

However, it is not required for all presidents or world leaders to attend — they come voluntarily out of respect.

When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, it became the largest gathering of heads of state in history.

Burial Ceremony,After the funeral Mass, the pope’s body is placed into three coffins:A cypress wood coffin (simplicity and humanity),A lead coffin (protection and sealing),An oak wood coffin (strength and dignity). Inside the first coffin, a rogito (official document recording the pope’s life and reign) and coins minted during his papacy are also placed.

The coffins are sealed and placed in a tomb beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, in the sacred area known as the Vatican Grottoes — where many previous popes are buried.

A simple stone or marble inscription marks the tomb, usually bearing the pope’s name, the dates of his papacy, and a small cross.

Once the tomb is sealed, it is permanently closed, though pilgrims may later visit the burial site for prayer.

Novemdiales: The Nine Days of Mourning, After burial, the Church enters nine days of mourning called the Novemdiales.

Each day, a special Mass is celebrated for the repose of the pope’s soul.

During this time, Catholics around the world join in prayer, and Vatican officials prepare for the next important step — the election of a new pope.

The Sede Vacante and Conclave, During the period called Sede Vacante ("the seat is vacant"), no one holds the office of pope.

The College of Cardinals meets and organizes a papal conclave to elect a new pope.

The conclave is held inside the Sistine Chapel.

Before entering, the cardinals take an oath of absolute secrecy.

The voting continues until one cardinal receives a two-thirds majority.

If no pope is elected after several rounds of voting, the cardinals pause for prayer and reflection, then resume voting.

Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicates no decision; white smoke announces to the world: Habemus Papam — "We have a pope."

The newly elected pope steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and gives his first blessing, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.

The death and burial of a pope are not just ceremonies; they are deep spiritual journeys.

Every action — from the moment of death to the sealing of the tomb — carries centuries of faith, humility, and hope.

It is a process designed to honor the human life of the pope while focusing the Church’s heart toward God’s eternal kingdom.

Where They Put the Pope’s Body at Funeral Burial, After the funeral Mass (the big church ceremony), the Pope’s body is buried inside Vatican City, specifically:Underneath St. Peter’s Basilica, in a special place called the Vatican Grottoes (Le Grotte Vaticane).This area is underground, below the main floor of St. Peter’s Basilica.It is a sacred place where many Popes are buried near the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope.

The Pope’s body is:Placed inside three coffins (cypress, lead, and oak).Then the coffins are sealed tightly.Then they are placed inside:A stone tomb,Or a wall crypt,Or a marble sarcophagus, depending on the plan.A simple inscription is made on the tomb, usually:The Pope’s name,The dates of his papacy (when he was Pope),A small cross.After burial, the Vatican closes the tomb permanently.

Pilgrims can sometimes visit and pray at the Pope’s tomb.Pilgrims can sometimes visit and pray at the Pope’s tomb.

After the Funeral Burial, What Happens?,After the Pope is buried (inside the Vatican Grottoes), these important things happen:Sealing the TombThe stone tomb is completely sealed.Vatican officials make sure the tomb is closed forever (no one can open it easily).A simple stone or marble marker is placed with the Pope’s name and dates.

Mourning Period, The Catholic Church enters a 9-day mourning period called "Novemdiales" (Latin word meaning "nine days").

During these 9 days:Special Masses are held every day for the Pope’s soul.Cardinals, bishops, and Catholics around the world pray for the Pope.

Preparing for the New Pope, The College of Cardinals (the group of all Cardinals) begins meetings to prepare for a new election.This process is called the "Sede Vacante" ("the seat is vacant") period.No one is Pope during this time — the Church waits for the election.

Conclave (Election of New Pope), After mourning, the Cardinals gather inside the Sistine Chapel (inside Vatican City).They hold a secret election called the Conclave.

Cardinals vote until they choose a new Pope.

When a new Pope is chosen:White smoke comes out of the Sistine Chapel chimney (to announce to the world).The new Pope steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and gives his first blessing to the world.